HSPCB levies ₹13L in fines in F’bad

GURUGRAM: The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) in Faridabad has temporarily closed nine coal-based industrial units since October 25, when the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority’s (Epca) pre-emptive ban was instated in view of deteriorating air quality. The Supreme Courtappointed body has also issued 159 notices to parties for unlawful construction work, 256 for open garbage dumping, 16 for garbage burning and 49 for visibly polluting vehicles, according to data shared by the HSPCB’s regional office in the district.

More than ₹13 lakh in fines against polluting activities have been levied by the HSPCB in Faridabad since October 25, officials said. The highest quantum of fines has been levied against construction and demolition activities, amounting to ₹7.9 lakh. This was followed by polluting vehicles, which were fined to the tune of ₹4.9 lakh.

In addition to this, another ₹2.5 lakh has been levied as environmental compensation from various polluters who were severely non-compliant with the ban, including construction sites and industries. Jai Bhagwan Sharma, the HSPCB’s regional officer in Gurugram, also said 77 brick kilns are being routinely inspected for violations. “So far, all have been compliant with the ban,” he said.

As a result of over 50 night and day patrols conducted since October 25, the HSPCB in Faridabad has inspected 443 construction sites, of which 169 were found to be violating Epca’s orders. Of these, 159 were found to be repeat offenders, according to HSPCB data. Of 301 instances of open garbage dumping, 256 were repeat offenders.

Of 572 instances of waste burning, however, only 16 violators have been fined. Of these, 13 were found to be repeat violators. “Waste burning is a bit hard to clamp down since the violators are not always present where waste burning is detected. However, by revisiting some of the prominent spots we were able to find the polluters. We will increase vigilance in this area,” Sharma said.

In addition to routine inspections, the HSPCB in Faridabad has ensured that over 60 water tankers are currently operational for sprinkling water and dust suppressants, while 12 mechanised road sweeping machines have also been engaged to tackle road dust re-suspension in about 20 hotspots that have been identified in the city, Sharma added.