CAQM issues order to impose environmental compensation charges

In the first five months of 2023, the flying squads or inspection teams have conducted 2,901 surprise inspections and field-level incognito checks at various sites across NCR including industrial units, construction and demolition (C&D) sites, commercial or residential units using diesel generator (DG) sets, air pollution hotspots, etc. 

Pursuant to the report of the flying squads, 147 closure orders against grossly violating units have been issued in NCR; 5 in Delhi; 61 in Haryana (NCR); 60 in Uttar Pradesh (NCR); and 21 in Rajasthan (NCR) in respect of grossly violating units. During January – May, 51 industrial units were issued closure directions for using unapproved fuels, out of which only 8 were found using coal. 

In the same period, resumption orders have been issued in respect of 201 units or entities where closure directions had been issued by the Commission after due corrective measures and compliance of the air pollution control norms like obtaining consent to operate (CTO) and consent to establish (CTE), adherence to emission norms, use of approved fuels, installation of pollution control devices, etc. These sites comprise 24 sites in Delhi; 75 in Haryana (NCR); 81 in Uttar Pradesh (NCR); and 21 in Rajasthan (NCR). 

CAQM is making efforts towards strict enforcement of its statutory directions and orders. Violations and non-compliance of the directions issued by the commission and air pollution control regulations are being taken up under environmental laws. Besides closure of such grossly violating units, the Commission has also issued orders for imposing environmental compensation charges (EC) and initiation of prosecution. 

CAQM has also advised the state implementing agencies including State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and DPCC to ensure compliance and strict implementation of the statutory directions issued by the Commission.

Updated: 01 Jun 2023, 09:26 PM IST