300 dyeing units add to pollution in Faridabad

Bijendra Ahlawat

Tribune News Service

Faridabad, April 10

Notwithstanding the action against illegal units engaged in dyeing, washing or electroplating steel sheets, hundreds of units are reportedly operating.

The number could be around 300, claimed sources in the department concerned.

The Haryana Pollution Control Board (HPCB) sealed about 150 units in the past few months.

“The industrial area near Sarurpur village in the NIT Assembly segment is one the zones where dyeing and electroplating units have been functioning. The area has been declared a toxic zone as a result of emissions or release of untreated effluents in water channels and drains,” claimed environmentalist Jitender Bhadana.

Other unauthorised areas include Greater Faridabad, Bhakri and Pali villages in the Aravalli belt.

Nearly 600 units are reportedly in Sector 58 here, an authorised zone.

Balraj Singh, Regional Officer, (Ballabgarh region), HPCB, said: “The board takes action to ensure that units operate in authorised zone only.”

JB Sharma, Regional Officer (Faridabad region), HPCB, admitted illegal units were operating and said nearly 150 unauthorised units were sealed recently.

Social activist Varun Sheokand, who has filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT), alleged the HPCB had failed check the activities of units causing air and water pollution in the city. “Corruption and political interference in the working of the board cannot be ruled out,” he added.

The PM 2.5 air quality level in the city was recorded around 150 micrograms on Sunday. The acceptable limit is 60.