The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday issued closure directions to 16 industrial units operating across the National Capital Region (NCR) after detailed inspections revealed gross and persistent violations of environmental norms.
The action forms part of CAQM’s continuous and intensified enforcement drive aimed at curbing air pollution and ensuring strict compliance with statutory directions across the NCR and adjoining areas.
Geographical Spread of Defaulting Units
Of the 16 industrial units directed to shut down:
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One unit is located in Uttar Pradesh (NCR)
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One unit is located in Rajasthan (NCR)
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Fourteen units are located in Sonipat district of Haryana
Serious Violations Detected
The inspections revealed multiple serious environmental violations, including:
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Establishment and operation without mandatory Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) as required under extant statutes
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Non-installation or non-functioning of Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs)
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Use of unapproved fuels
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Operation of industrial units during restricted periods under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
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Non-compliance of diesel generator (DG) sets with prescribed emission norms
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Presence of visible smoke and emissions from industrial processes
In several instances, units were found operating in blatant disregard of statutory provisions, environmental regulations, and binding directions issued by competent authorities.
Immediate Closure and Enforcement Action
Taking a serious view of these lapses, CAQM has directed the immediate closure of all defaulting units until full compliance with applicable environmental statutes and statutory directions is achieved.
The Commission reiterated that non-compliance will not be tolerated and warned that stringent enforcement measures, including closure and other penal actions as provided under law, will continue against erring industrial units.
Advisory to Industries
CAQM has once again urged all industries operating in the NCR to:
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Strictly adhere to prescribed environmental norms
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Ensure proper installation and continuous operation of APCDs
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Maintain compliance with statutory requirements at all times
Conclusion
The closure of 16 industrial units underscores CAQM’s zero-tolerance approach towards environmental violations and reinforces its commitment to improving air quality in the NCR through strict enforcement and regulatory oversight.
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Source: PIB
