Env Minister orders closure of 3 private concrete plants
NEW DELHI: Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain has directed immediate closure of three concrete mixing plants for allegedly failing to comply with dust control norms contributing to air pollution in the national capital. Hussain has also urged the police to arrest the owner of the ready mix plants for causing public nuisance and air pollution, according to a statement issued
on Tuesday.
The closure of three private Ready Mix Concrete Plants at Mukundpur Chowk have been ordered for their failure to comply with dust control norms contributing to air pollution in the national capital, it said. Found gross violations of air pollution control norms during an inspection, the Minister said in his statement. "There were no sprinkling arrangements at the site, cement was not covered by any sheet, as required, and the approach road was full of dust blanket," it said. A total of three Ready Mix Plants were operating at the site, the statement said, adding that the entire surroundings were full of dust emanating due to the operation of these plants. Hussain also asked the police and electricity authorities to disconnect the electric connection and ensure the plant was shut immediately.
Delhi has been battling alarming pollution levels for the past two months. Apart from unfavourable meteorological factors, local emissions from factories also add to the pollution woes of the national Capital. Earlier this month a surprise inspection team headed by Imran Hussain found "serious violations" of the norms for dust control at ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants operational at Burari crossing in front of Majlis park metro station in the national capital. These plants were being operated by a private operator. Hussain was accompanied by Burari Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Delhi police officers.
The Minister found that the RMC Plant was operational and the operator of the plant has not taken adequate measures to control fugitive dust emanated from it. Hussain further observed that there was no arrangement for water sprinkling for material kept open on the ground and the internal approach road was covered with fine dust.
