Pollution rises unabated

Even though the Haryana government is determined to make the state pollution-free, the fact on the ground presents a different picture.

Even though the Haryana government is determined to make the state pollution-free, the fact on the ground presents a different picture.

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Despite an alarming increase in pollution levels, the state pollution control board has sealed only 56 units for violation of environment conservation laws in the past three years.

The department has been serving notices to several units regularly but has failed to take action. The introduction of Metro train and CNG-run autorickshaws have failed to curb pollution.

In 2009, the air pollution level in Gurgaon was 442 spm (suspended particulate matter) and in 2010 it reached 458 spm. In the past four months, the level has already touched 425 spm.

However, action against defaulters have been ineffective. The pollution control board so far has been sending notices without netting many of the offenders. The government ordered closure of 639 industrial units in 2010-11 for violating water and air pollution norms. A total of 932 industries were served notices by the pollution control board. But, action has been taken against only 56 units in past three years.

He said the department cannot seal a unit straightway without serving notices and giving time to rectify the problem.