NewKerala.com

16 NCR Industrial Units Shut Over Gross Air Pollution Violations

The Commission for Air Quality Management has ordered the immediate closure of 16 industrial units across the National Capital Region for gross environmental violations. Inspections revealed units operating without mandatory consent, lacking air pollution control devices, and using unapproved fuels. The majority of the shuttered units, 14, are located in Sonipat district, Haryana. The action comes as Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category with an AQI of 280.

Key Points: 16 NCR Industrial Units Closed for Air Pollution Violations

  • 16 units shut in NCR
  • Violations include no pollution control devices
  • 14 units in Haryana's Sonipat
  • Use of unapproved fuels found
2 min read

CAQM issues closure directions to 16 industrial units in NCR over gross violations

CAQM shuts 16 NCR industrial units for serious environmental violations like operating without consent and lacking pollution control devices.

"non-compliance will not be tolerated - CAQM official release"

New Delhi, January 9

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas on Friday issued closure directions to 16 industrial units located across the National Capital Region after detailed inspections revealed gross and persistent violations, according to an official release by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

These inspections were carried out as part of the Commission's continuous and intensified enforcement drive to curb air pollution and ensure strict compliance with statutory directions. Of the 16 industrial units, one is located in Uttar Pradesh (NCR), one in Rajasthan (NCR), and the remaining 14 units are in the Sonipat district of Haryana.

The inspections revealed a range of serious environmental violations, including establishment and operation without obtaining mandatory Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) as mandated under extant statutes; non-installation or non-functioning of Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs); use of unapproved fuels; operation of units during restricted periods under GRAP; non-compliance of diesel generator (DG) sets with prescribed norms and visible smoke and emissions from industrial processes, the release stated.

In several cases, units were found operating in blatant disregard of extant statutes, statutory directions and environmental norms. CAQM has taken a serious view of these lapses and has directed the immediate closure of the defaulting units until requisite compliance with extant statutes and statutory directions is attained.

The release further mentioned that the Commission reiterates that non-compliance will not be tolerated and that strict enforcement actions, including closure and other penal actions as per law, shall continue against defaulting industrial units. All industries operating in the NCR are once again urged to strictly adhere to prescribed environmental norms, ensure proper installation and operation of APCDs and ensure compliance at all times.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) readings showed that Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) on Friday morning stood at 280, which falls under the 'poor' category.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good step, but 16 units is just a drop in the ocean. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, flouting norms in NCR. The real question is, how were they allowed to operate for so long without consent? Where was the inspection all this time? 🤔
S
Suresh O
As a small business owner in Faridabad, I follow all norms. It's unfair that these violators get an advantage by cutting costs on pollution control. Strict, consistent action against all is the only way. Jai Hind.
A
Anjali F
My child has asthma and Diwali to February is a nightmare. Every action counts. Please don't stop at closure—impose heavy fines and prosecute the owners. Our health is not negotiable. 🙏
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while enforcement is needed, there must also be support for MSMEs to transition. Many want to comply but find the process complex and costly. Can CAQM provide a clear roadmap and assistance?
K
Karthik V
Sonipat has 14 out of 16 units! Shows where the problem is concentrated. Haryana PCB needs to wake up. This is not just a Delhi problem, the whole region breathes the same air. Good reporting by the ministry.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50