DPCC report on steel pickling units, Delhi, 09/03/2020
Action taken report on behalf of Delhi Pollution Control Committee in terms of the National Green Tribunal order dated November 19, 2019 regarding 90 stainless steel pickling units operating in Wazirpur Industrial Area, SMA Industrial Area, GT Karnal Road and Badli Industrial Area.
Pursuant to the NGT directions, the 90 pickling units were effectively closed with the coordinated efforts of Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). The closure directions issued by DPCC were also sent to power distribution company and Delhi Jal Board for disconnection of electricity and water connections to ensure effective closure of the pickling units. Further, regular vigil and surveillance has been continued against illegal operation of pickling units and in December 2019 and January 2020, 9 more units were inspected and found to operating clandestinely. These units were also closed down.
The DPCC had also asked the operators of pickling units to remove plant and machinery used by them to ensure that there is no chance of revival of operation of the activity in industrial areas of Delhi. The report mentioned that 29 units have removed their plant and machinery from their premises and 4 more units are in the process of shifting their activities permanently from Wazirpur Industrial Area.
A survey has also been carried out in Wazirpur Industrial Area to detect units which are not connected to CETP. Out of 91 defaulting units, 86 units have promptly connected to the conveyance system leading to the CETP. "Out of 81 lakhs imposed, Rs. 26.50 lakhs compensation has been realised by DPCC from 35 units," the report added.
Note: The DPCC report of March 9 was made available to the public on March 13, 2020.