The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed a joint committee to investigate the presence of industries in residential areas of Faridabad and assess their legality. The committee comprises officials from the district administration, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The NGT's decision follows a petition highlighting pollution caused by industries in residential areas. The committee's mandate is to evaluate compliance with consent to operate (CTO) conditions and submit a factual report within two months.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has established a joint committee to investigate the presence of industries in residential areas of Faridabad and assess their legality. Comprising officials from the district administration, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the committee will also evaluate the compliance status of industrial units concerning their consent to operate (CTO). The NGT bench, consisting of judicial magistrate Sudhir Agarwal and expert member Dr. A Senthil Vel, has directed the committee to submit a factual report within two months.
The NGT's decision was prompted by a petition from Deepak Tripathi, a resident of Kapda Colony in Faridabad, which highlighted the pollution caused by industries operating in residential areas. The petition pointed out that certain industrial units in Kapda Colony, Air Force Road, and NIT Faridabad were emitting smoke, polluting water, and creating noise. Moreover, these industries were employing heavy generators and machinery, leading to environmental damage and health risks for local residents.
Recognizing the gravity of the allegations and the concerns raised regarding environmental and water pollution, the NGT bench decided to establish a joint committee comprising representatives from the state PCB, Faridabad district magistrate, and CPCB. The committee's mandate is to visit the sites, collect relevant data, and prepare a factual report within two months. This report will address the permissibility of industrial operations in residential or non-conforming areas, as well as the compliance status with CTO conditions. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for August 8.
An official from HSPCB has confirmed their commitment to complying with the NGT's directions and stated their intention to submit a factual report in accordance with the order. In 2016, HSPCB conducted a survey to identify polluting industrial units operating in residential areas and had instructed them to relocate. Experts have noted that Faridabad's air is already contaminated by dust, industrial emissions, and vehicular pollution. The presence of these unauthorized industrial units engaging in activities such as dyeing, chemical processing, rubber and plastic manufacturing, electrical and auto spare parts production, iron smelting, and fluorescent light manufacturing further exacerbates the air quality concerns.
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