DPCC faces NGT ire over dyeing factory in south Delhi

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has slammed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on Thursday for not submitting a proper report on a plea alleging air pollution caused by chemicals released by a dyeing industry in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar.
A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel expressed dissatisfaction over the report and asked DPCC to submit a fresh one.
“Proceedings have been initiated on the basis of a letter received, alleging that dyeing and chemical business is being carried at R-85, Basement, Khidki Extension, Malviya Nagar, resulting in air pollution by the chemicals released from the factory, affecting the health of the inhabitants,” the bench noted.
“No facts have been furnished nor ownership of the building or of the person who was carrying out illegal activities ascertained...Give us a proper report within one month,” the bench said.
It reiterated that every order of NGT is binding as a decree of court and non-compliance is actionable by way of punitive action in terms of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. The green court’s direction came on a letter filed by the Residents Welfare Association Malviya Nagar seeking action against the industry involved in dyeing and chemical business.
The plea alleged that the industry was causing air pollution by releasing chemicals, which was affecting the health of the residents in the area. Earlier this month, Central Pollution Control Board asked DPCC to shut down illegal dyeing units operating in southeast Delhi’s Sarita Vihar.
“Delhi Pollution Control Committee shall close all the dyeing industries operating without NOC/consent/licence with immediate effect and non-complying units shall be prosecuted as per laws,” stated the letter addressed by CPCB chairperson SP Singh Parihar to the DPCC chairman.
The action came after NGT constituted a joint committee in December to look into a plea alleging operation of hazardous industries in Sarita Vihar.