Rs 98.7L imposed for GRAP violations in Sonepat dist, Rs 33.7L in Panipat dist

As part of the implementation of grade response action plan (GRAP)-4 norms in Panipat and Sonepat districts to curb air pollution, the administration has imposed a total Rs 98.73 lakh fine upon the violators in Sonepat and Rs 33.72 lakh in Panipat.

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Following the apex court’s order, the district administration has constituted special committees to curb pollution.

In Panipat, DC Virender Kumar Dahiya said that six teams had been constituted, comprising officials of various departments -- Municipal Corporation, HSVP, HSIIDC, DSP (Traffic), RTA Secretary, GM (Roadways), NHAI project officers, PWD (B&R), Agriculture and Market Board, mining officer, DTP enforcement, Regional Officer HSPCB, DFSC and district industrial corporation (DIC).

All teams have been directed to implement GRAP-4 norms and submit reports on a daily basis to their office and to the regional office, HSPCB.

Bhupender Singh Chahal, Regional Officer, HSPCB, said that a fine of Rs 21 lakh had been imposed upon four construction sites – one construction site in Sector 29, a site in Bishansaroop Colony and two sites on GT Road. Apart from this, the MC has issued closure notice to 11 sites, imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 upon the Estate Officer, HSVP, for burning of solid waste in Sector 25 and Rs 25,000 upon a person for burning chains in Noorwala. A penalty of Rs 11,22,000 has been imposed on the JBM for dumping garbage in the open in Meharana village, while the MC has imposed a fine of Rs 1.20 lakh on 24 sites for open burning of garbage. A total of 186 units were inspected of which 12 DG sets were non-compliant and the closure action has been initiated, the RO said.

In Sonepat district, the HSPCB has initiated action against the violators and imposed a fine of Rs 98.70 lakh upon them.

DC Manoj Kumar said that a total of 13 units had been sealed so far and an environmental compensation (EC) of Rs 50,28, 750 has been imposed upon them. Apart from this, officials visited 148 construction sites, of which 21 sites were found to be non-compliant with norms and a penalty of Rs 48.45 lakh was imposed upon the builders.

A total of 192 DG sets have been inspected of which 10 have been sealed and show-cause notices have been served for 32 DG sets that were not complying with norms, he said.

DC Manoj Kumar said that to curb the air pollution – three mechanical sweeping machines, 18 tankers and two anti-smog guns had been installed for sprinkling water on trees and roads.

A control room has been set-up at the DC office and a toll free number 0130-2221590 has been released to file a complaint against the violators.

Apart from this committees have been formed at the district, subdivision, block and village level to curb the air pollution.

The HSPCB has also constituted special teams for the implementation of GRAP-4 curbs in Gannaur, Gohana, Sonepat, Kundli, Rai, Kharkhoda and Sonepat.

Teams have been constituted for urban areas by the municipal bodies in Sonepat, Gohana, Gannaur, Kharkhoda and Kundli while special teams have also been constituted in rural areas.