Industrial units told to install effluent monitoring systems

Tribune News Service
Faridabad, March 8

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has issued notices to large and medium industrial units directing them to comply with the directions of installing online effluent monitoring systems.

There are several units that are yet to install the device, resulting in the failure to keep tabs on air and water pollution levels. Faridabad ranked fourth on the list of the world’s most polluted cities in 2018.

“We have served notices on 110 units, which have been told to reply within 30 days,” said Jai Bhagwan Sharma, regional officer, HSPCB, Faridabad.

He said the notices had been issued in the exercise of powers conferred under Section 33-A of the Air and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The deadline for installation had been extended to June 5. However, small-scale units had been exempted.

Sources said the HSPCB had earlier issued a notification in this connection on October 11, 2017, but the authorities failed to ensure the compliance to date, resulting in acute pollution.

“There are several units which are discharging dangerous air fumes or untreated water,” alleged Varun Sheokand, who had filed a complaint against some units in Sector 59 in 2017. He alleged that several dyeing units were still functioning from colonies.