Panel for air quality management orders closure of nine polluting units in Panipat, Sonepat

Cracking down on pollution violations during the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered the closure of nine industrial units — four in Panipat and five in the HSIIDC Industrial Estate at Barhi, Sonepat — for allegedly flouting emission norms.

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has also served a show-cause notice to another unit in Panipat’s Old Industrial Area for releasing thick black smoke into the air.

Officials said teams from HSPCB, Sonepat, sealed the five industrial units in Barhi on Friday evening, following the Commission’s directions.

The action followed inspections conducted by the CAQM’s flying squad, which was constituted to monitor industrial compliance and curb air pollution across the National Capital Region (NCR).

During surprise visits to industrial areas in Panipat and Sonepat, the flying squad reportedly found thick black smoke emitting from chimneys, while wet scrubbers — essential for pollution control — were non-functional in most units. Several other irregularities were also detected during the inspections.

According to sources, in Panipat, the units found violating norms included two textile units in Assan (Madlauda area), one unit in Kurar and one in the Old Industrial Area. In Sonepat, five industrial units located in HSIIDC Barhi were found operating in violation of CAQM directions.

In its official order, the CAQM observed that “industrial pollution is a major contributing factor towards the deterioration of air quality in the NCR.” The Commission directed that “all industrial operations in these units be shut down immediately” and that the action be reported to both the Commission and the HSPCB without delay.

The CAQM further directed that “under no circumstances shall these units resume operations without prior permission and a formal order of resumption from the Commission.”

Additionally, the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) has been instructed to temporarily disconnect the power supply of the erring units within three days of the closure orders.

The HSPCB has also been asked to impose environmental compensation (EC) on all the polluting industries for their violations.