Norms violated, NGT issues notices to electroplating units

Bijendra Ahlawat

Tribune News Service

Faridabad, October 28

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to nearly 10 industrial units and the authorities concerned over alleged violation of norms in the Electroplating Zone of Sector-58 here.

Varun Sheokand, a co- petitioner in the case, said that the tribunal had asked the respondents, including the Chief Secretary, Chief Administrator, HUDA, Deputy Commissioner, Central Ground Water Board and the Central Pollution Control Board, to submit their reply by November 30.

He said several industrial units engaged in the work of electroplating and dyeing had been found releasing harmful and untreated chemical waste in the open, thus endangering lives of human beings and livestock residing nearby. He said the industrial sector was carved out several decades ago on the common land of Jharsently village and designated as Electroplating Zone comprising nearly 300 chemical units.

“Despite strict pollution norms, many industrial units have been violating the rules with impunity. Either they have no proper treatment plants or not using these as per the guidelines,” he alleged.

Indiscriminate discharge of untreated waste into nearby areas, open land and irrigation drain had not only left the area emitting pungent smell but also left the underground water unfit for consumption, he said.

The Resident Welfare Association (RWA) of the village, also a petitioner in the case, had submitted a list of nearly four dozen persons who had died due to cancer in the past five years in the village.

It was also alleged that industrial units were also extracting groundwater without permission from the Central Ground Water Board. Tough action against the violators and creation of a buffer zone between the village and the industrial units has been demanded.

“We will ensure implementation of the norms properly in all industrial zones,” said Deputy Commissioner Chandershekhar.