Joint panel formed to inspect illegal dyeing units fails to visit area

Tribune News Service

Mukesh Tandon

Sonepat, March 2

A special team has been formed to inspect the illegal denim dyeing units in the Kundli area of Sonepat district on the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Amid the ongoing farmers’ protest and the sealing of the Singhu border near Kundli the joint team is yet to visit the area.

A Delhi-based environmentalist Varun Gulati had filed a complaint with the NGT in December alleging that over 500 dyeing units were operating in residential and non-confirming areas in Faridabad, Sonepat, Gurugram and Jhajjar districts.

The dyeing units are categorised as ‘Red Category’. Moreover, they do not have the necessary documents, including an NOC to operate here, the complainant alleged.

His complaint states that the illegal dyeing units were discharging untreated effluents directly to drains or open land which posed a serious health hazard to the people residing in nearby areas.

“There is no common effluent treatment plant in the area due to which the untreated effluent drains that ultimately flow into Yamuna,” the complainant said.

Following the complaint, the NGT in its order on January 5 constituted a joint panel comprising a member from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), one from Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) and an officer of District Magistrates of Sonepat, Faridabad, Gurugram and Jhajjar to take stock of the situation in all districts. The next hearing on the matter is on April 5 and the committees have to submit their report by then.

“Following the NGT’s direction, a joint team has been formed in Sonepat comprising Sonepat SDM (a member from the District Magistrate’s office), RO Pradeep Kumar from HSPCB and Rishabh Kumar, Scientist-C of CPCB,” said Pradeep Kumar.

The inspection was being delayed due to the law and order situation caused by the farmers’ protest. The maximum portion of the area being inspected is in Kundli, Nathupur and adjoining areas, which is one of the worst affected areas due to which the member from the CPCB was unable to visit, he said. As soon as the situation normalises, the inspection would be carried out, the RO added.

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