Install CCTVs at entry, exit gates of Sonepat industrial areas: DC to HSIIDC officials

Deputy Commissioner Sushil Sarwan directed HSIIDC officials to install CCTV cameras and big hoardings on entry and exit gates of all industrial areas to curb pollution spread by industries in Sonepat district.

It was decided at the River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC) meeting between the district administration and Haryana State Pollution Board (HSPCB) officials.

Sarwan also directed the entry of the tankers in the industrial areas be banned, which were reportedly used to carry illegal fuel and discharge untreated industrial effluents illegally on the road sides or drains, which was a major cause of pollution in the Yamuna.

To clean the Yamuna and to rejuvenate it within the district’s limits, Pradeep Dagar, Member Secretary, HSPCB, gave some specific directions at the meeting through video conferencing.

Jitender Pal Singh, Senior Environment Engineer (SEE), at the meeting, raised the issues of discharging of effluent in Drain number 6 and Drain number 8 by the industries, the condition of the STPs, the discharging of the solid waste directly into the drains and burning of stubble. After discussing these issues, the Deputy Commissioner directed that strict action against those industries be initiated that were discharging solid waste into the drains. The Deputy Commissioner said no negligence in the cleaning of the Yamuna would be tolerated.

As per the agenda, industries release untreated effluent into storm water drain, industries were using illegal/banned fuel i.e. wood chips and everyday trucks of fuel enter the industrial area through multiple entries, there was no solid waste management mechanism in the industrial area, industries were throwing solid waste mixed with hazardous waste in open plots and footpaths and illegal tankers entered the industrial area and parked illegally in the parks of the HSIIDC Barhi. Similarly, in the Industrial area at Rai, the effluents pump house was not properly maintained, the industries using banned fuel – wood or wood chips, entries to the industrial area were unmanned, and trucks/dumpers came freely and dumped waste material and solid waste was being burnt at multiple places, etc.

Similar situations of violation of environmental norms were found in other industrial zones, including Nathupur, Jatheri, PiauManyari, Kundli, and other areas, and all issues were also discussed in the meeting.

Sarwan also directed the officials of the departments concerned to participate actively in curbing pollution and help in cleaning of the Yamuna.