As air quality improves, ban on coal-based industries which do not run on PNG lifted

As air quality improves, ban on coal-based industries which do not run on PNG lifted

New Delhi, Nov 18 (KNN) With the improved air quality in the national capital, the coal-based industries which do not run on pined natural gas (PNG) have been allowed to operate again.

The ban on the operation of such industries was lifted as the air quality improved since Saturday.

At a review meeting of the Central Pollution Control Board-led task force on Saturday, it was also decided that hot mix plants and stone crushers would remain closed in the NCR.

Following the weather forecast, the task force recommended lifting of the ban on coal-based industries in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Sonepat, and Bahadurgarh, and industries in Delhi that are using fuel other than piped natural gas (PNG).

The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority had announced the ban on such units in view of the extreme pollution levels that triggered a public health emergency.

The task force directed the industries to take adequate pollution control measures and comply with the prescribed environmental norms.

Pollution control boards of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, and other implementing agencies have also been asked to ensure regular surveillance and take all necessary action to curb air polluting activities.

The Supreme Court had on November 4 banned construction and demolition activities in the NCR till further orders.

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