CAQM orders sealing of DG sets in 11 Palwal units for flouting norms

Tribune News Service

Bijendra Ahlawat

Palwal, February 24

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered the sealing of the diesel generators (DG) of as many 11 industrial units operating in Palwal district and the Haryana State Pollution Control Board has been asked to comply with the order within a week, it is revealed.

The order that was issued on February 22 came after a CAQM’s flying squad team conducted an inspection last month and found that DG sets installed in some units were not complying with the Direction Number 76 of the commission, which disallows the usage of gensets that have not converted to retrofitted emission control devices (RECD) and dual fuel kits based on PNG.

Had NOT upgraded TO recd

The order that was issued on February 22 came after a flying squad team of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) conducted an inspection last month and found that DG sets installed in some units were not complying with the Direction Number 76 of the commission, which disallows the usage of gensets that have not converted to retrofitted emission control devices (RECDs) and dual fuel kits based on PNG

The CAQM had fixed September 30 as the deadline for the units to retro-fit or adopt the emission control mechanism. The last date to stop the operation of DGs deployed in emergency services was extended to December 31 last year

The CAQM had fixed September 30 as the deadline for the units to retro-fit or adopt of emission control mechanism. The last date to stop the operation the DGs deployed in emergency services was extended to December 31 last year.

“Ample opportunities have been given to adopt emission control mechanisms for the operation of DG set(s) as per the direction. It is felt that issuing show-cause notices will be an empty formality and would likely defeat the very purpose of the action being taken,” the order read.

“Now, in exercise of the powers of the Commission by the Enforcement Task Force, under Section 12(2)(xi) of the Act, the directions are issued for the strict compliance, including the immediate sealing of the DG set(s) by the State Pollution Control Board,” the order further read.

According to CAQM, the board shall impose and exact appropriate environment compensation (EC), on the pattern of fines for violations in the industrial sector for non-compliance with Statutory Directions over the retro-fitment of ECD/dual fuel kits.

The penalty would be calculated for the period between October 1, 2023, and the date of sealing. The board authorities have been directed to ensure that the units may be permitted to de-seal the DG sets only after the deposition of the EC and after ensuring that the units have taken corrective measures as per the norms announced by the CAQM.

“In case of failure in compliance of the directions, the commission will be constrained to initiate appropriate action, in accordance with provisions under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act- 2021 and other relevant laws,” the order further read.

HSPCB SDO Randeep Sindhu said the compliance report of the CAQM order would be submitted soon after inspection of the units.

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