Nine industrial units in Panipat have been sealed for violating pollution norms as part of a crackdown initiated under the directions of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Officials said the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) took action against 17 sites across the city, including sealing nine industrial units and five diesel generator (DG) sets. The enforcement drive followed inspections carried out over the past three months by joint teams, comprising CAQM flying squads and pollution control board personnel.
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During these inspections, several units were found flouting environmental norms, with chimneys reportedly emitting thick black smoke. Taking serious note of the violations, the CAQM ordered the closure of such polluting operations.
Subsequently, the HSPCB sealed units located in areas such as Sector 29 Part-2, Old Industrial Area, Barsat Road, Samalkha and Raslapur village, among others. Authorities also took action against three construction sites for failing to comply with prescribed pollution control measures. Confirming the development, Assistant Environment Engineer Kuldeep Singh said that the action was taken strictly in line with CAQM directives.
The crackdown, however, has raised concerns among local industry stakeholders. The Panipat Dyers’ Association has written to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, seeking immediate relief.
Association president Nitin Arora said industries in Panipat are under stress due to the action initiated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). He claimed that several dyeing units had been issued closure notices without clear reasons.
Arora also highlighted the challenges posed by increasingly stringent emission standards. “Earlier, the standard particulate matter (SPM) limit was 800, which was reduced to 80 and has now been brought down to 50. It is extremely difficult for industries to comply with such levels,” he said.
The association has also reiterated its demand for the early implementation of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems to help industries meet environmental norms while continuing operations.
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