Hans News Service New Delhi

TheDelhi government has inspected 2,011 industrial units till July this year as part of its pollution-control drive, with 106 units found violating environmental norms, officials said on Friday. Environmental compensation has been imposed on 44 units, while closure orders have been issued against 33 factories for non-compliance, they added.

The inspections were carried out under the campaign led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to strengthen monitoring of industrial pollution and ensure compliance with prescribed environmental standards. Of the units inspected, 106 were found to be non-compliant with environmental norms, while 78 were found operating without a valid Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), CM Gupta said.

Action is also being taken against other units in accordance with relevant environmental laws and regulations, she added. “Our objective is not merely to take action, but to ensure effective control over pollution at its source,” Gupta said.

According to the government, its pollution-control campaign is not restricted to industrial emissions and includes action against road dust, vehicular emissions, construction and demolition activities, waste burning and other sources of pollution. It has also strengthened on-ground monitoring of industrial emissions to identify violations and take timely action, according to a statement. Gupta said citizens also have an important role to play in the fight against pollution and urged them to report industrial pollution, open burning of waste, dust pollution, illegal dumping and other activities harmful to the environment.