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Delhi

Pollution watchdog sends notice to 800 Gurugram industrial units

Gurugram: Poor air quality in Gurugram has prompted officials of Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) to issue notices to major industrial units, directing them to take pollution controlling measures. Over 800 such units have been sent notices.
Based on its evaluation, HSPCB has categorised industries into various zones, based on the pollutions these units.
Around 230 units have been placed under the 'red' category the highest level for those causing maximum pollution.
Next in line are 360 units that have been placed under the 'orange' category. Less than 100 industries have been placed under the 'green; category, as these industries do not contributing to the city's air pollution.
To begin with, officials have asked polluting industries to have a measuring device that makes them aware of the pollutants being generated from their production activities.
The owners and managers of these enterprises have also been directed to devise mechanisms or introduce technology to can reduce pollution.
HSPCB has also warned some units, especially those in the 'red' category, that lack of preventive measures on their part may result in strict action.
While the situation is not as bad as it was in November and December last year, air quality levels in Gurugram are still unhealthy for citizens.
On Sunday, when traffic on city roads is lesser than usual, PM2.5 pollutant was recorded at 140-160 microgram per cubic metre.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) officially records safe limits of PM2.5 at 60 microgram per cubic metre.
High concentration of other poisonous gases, like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone and sulphur dioxide was also recorded.
Dust pollution and poisonous gases discharged by diesel vehicles and open burning of garbage are some of the factors responsible for poor quality of air in Gurugram.
Even as strict orders have been issued by the National Green Tribunal to not allow open burning of waste, the brazenness with which rules are not followed can be seen in various densely populated areas.
"There is a need for sustained and committed efforts in dealing with such a major challenge. Unfortunately, a few days of favourable weather conditions cannot help us escape the big challenge that surrounds us.
"The citizens and the government must collaborate together to fight this menace. Unfortunately, even though awareness about pollution has improved, the proactiveness about it has not changed much," said Shweta Narang, a Gurugram resident.
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