Pollution Watchdog Tightens Noose on Non-Compliant Industries in NCR

New Delhi, October 31: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has moved to rein in industrial units in Delhi-NCR that operate without adequate pollution control systems. Regional authorities have been directed to serve show-cause notices without delay on units that have not installed or upgraded Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs).

The order, issued on Friday under Section 18(1)(b) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, is addressed to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the State Pollution Control Boards of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. These agencies have been asked to take immediate action against industries that are flouting the rules and to prepare a complete unit-wise list of such violators.

According to the directive, the action will target all units covered under Clause 21(I) of Direction No. 98 of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Those that have not issued work orders for APCD installation or upgrades, and have also failed to get an adequacy assessment report or exemption certificate, will be issued notices.

Units that fail to furnish valid proof of work orders, an exemption certificate or an adequacy report within five days will face closure orders. Such units will remain non-operational until they submit the required work orders and a dependable compliance timeline acceptable to the respective board.

The boards must confirm receipt of the directive without delay and send weekly status reports to the CPCB outlining the action taken.

To keep track of industrial registrations and the installation and upgrading of pollution control equipment, the CPCB has launched a dedicated online portal.

The crackdown follows the introduction of the revised emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ from October 1. Adherence to these norms is now compulsory for all industries under the amended CAQM Direction No. 98.