Air samples taken from food manufacturing unit

The local office of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has collected air samples from a unit manufacturing wheat-flour-based products at Kharawar village and sent these for laboratory analysis. The action follows complaints from neighbouring industry against the unit.

Rajesh Jain, Managing Director of LPS Bossard, while speaking to the media here on Thursday, alleged that industrial emissions from the unit’s chimney were polluting the surrounding environment. He claimed that the emissions not only contributed to air pollution but also had serious impact on the health of residents and employees working nearby. “Due to the smoke, people are facing breathing difficulties, eye irritation and other health issues. Both environment and human health are at serious risk. The issue was also raised with the Chief Minister during his visit to the area in February. More recently, we submitted a complaint to the DC, who responded promptly,” Jain added. Dinesh Kumar, Executive Engineer of the HSPCB, confirmed that air samples were collected following the complaint. “The unit was previously inspected in November last year and at that time, its emissions were found to exceed the permissible limits. However, re-sampling conducted in March, the reports of which showed emissions within permissible norms,” he said.

Kumar said the latest samples were sent to the lab and further action would be based on the test results. While refuting the allegations, the unit’s Managing Director expressed unawareness about the sampling.