Environment dept orders use of sprinklers at excavation sites

Ambika Sharma

Tribune News Service

Solan, January 3

Taking strict note of air pollution from various excavation sites on the Parwanoo-Solan stretch of National Highway-22 where four-laning work is underway, the Department of Environment (DoE) has directed officials of the state Pollution Control Board (PCB) and the Deputy Commissioner to ensure the use of water sprinklers.

GR Infra, which is undertaking four-laning of the NH, has failed to use dust-suppressing measures to contain air pollution. This issue was highlighted in these columns following which the DoE had now directed the SPCB and the DC, Solan, to ensure compliance and inform it about the action taken.

The dry spell has compounded the problems. In the absence of any dust- suppressing mechanism, the commuters on the highway are subject to large-scale air pollution. Though the firm is violating the conditions laid down in its environment impact assessment report, which enlists measures to mitigate pollution, the authorities appear to have adopted a lax approach in checking this air pollution.

The field staff of the Excise and Taxation Department, which were supposed to inspect commercial vehicles, are among the worst sufferers of the pollution.

Though two water sprinklers had been deployed for a few days after the SPCB officials served notice on GR Infra, its use was restricted for a few days only. Unmindful of the health hazards that the dust would have on the labourers, the firm is flagrantly violating the terms on which the environmental clearance had been accorded.

Tarun Kapoor, Principal Secretary, Environment, said they would take strict measures to address the problem.