Pollution board revokes permit of 11 stainless steel industries in Wazirpur

After a plea filed by NGO All India Lokadhikar Sangthan last year, the NGT — on September 10 — had directed DPCC to take legal action against the erring industries.

It also directed the DPCC to inspect the units and examine whether effluents emitted from each of the units is causing pollution or not.

In May this year, the DPCC had issued closure notice to 112 such units for allegedly discharging untreated wastewater into sewers, roads and storm water drains — which in turn caused severe environmental degradation in the area.

The committee had also issued closure notices to several industrial units, mainly steel pickling units, in the area for discharging harmful effluents into drains that empty into river Yamuna.

The Tribunal had also restrained such steel pickling units from carrying out operations without DPCC consent.

During the hearing, the DPCC also told the Tribunal that it would produce all papers pertaining to the 40 cases that were inspected during the next date of hearing.

The case has now been posted to October 17.

Pickling hazards

Wazirpur declared a pollution hotspot as per a Toxics Link study

As many as 1,200 small units operational, with many involved in pickling

Use of concentrated acids and inadequate ventilation causes acid fumes in work spaces

Increased risk of respiratory illness among workers

Used acid ultimately discharged into water bodies and soil without environmental safeguards

The committee had issued closure notices to several industrial units, mainly steel pickling units, in the area for discharging harmful effluents into drains that empty into river Yamuna.

The Tribunal had also restrained such steel pickling units from carrying out operations without DPCC consent.