18 arrested in Greater Noida for violating pollution norms

NOIDA: In a first, a team from the district administration, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and Noida Police arrested 18 people from construction sites in Greater Noida West allegedly for not following pollution control norms.

It is not clear whether the people arrested were the supervisors or contractors, who are responsible for following the norms.

The team was inspecting these sites at random based on where violations were visible through the amount of dust being generated. The UPPCB has also received several complaints of road dust from the extension areas. Knowledge Park area of Greater Noida was earlier this week also identified as a pollution hotspot by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

A case is being filed against the alleged polluters under Environment Protection Act, 1986. The 18 arrested have been kept in preventive custody under section 151 of criminal procedure code.

“All stakeholders need to follow the rules of game to control such high levels. I have spoken to officials from Greater Noida Authority as well and they will also be strengthening their efforts,” B N Singh, district magistrate, said.

The construction sites that were found violating National Green Tribunal’s norms against air pollution were Galaxy builders in Sectors 4, Town Central by PKS group 16B and an under construction Bharat Petroleum petrol pump opposite Ecotech 12. Officials said that at most of these places huge heaps of construction material, including sand and cement, was kept uncovered and no water sprinkling was done.

In Patwari village of sector 2 an illegal grinding unit was sealed and workers were taken in custody. Lifters and trucks at the site were also apprehended and the material was offloaded. The team on Saturday also intercepted six trucks carrying construction material and mud from sector Gama 1. While the trucks have been stopped, action will be initiated against the violators.