Delhi govt tells NGTNew Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) The Delhi government has informedthe National Green Tribunal that steel pickling units fallunder the prohibited list of industrial activity according tothe Delhi Master Plan (DMP), 2021 and cannot operate inresidential areas.
The AAP government told a bench headed by acting NGTChairperson Justice U D Salvi that pickling industries fall inthe negative list of the master plan and are not allowed tofunction after three years commencing from September 23, 2013.
The green panel was also apprised that according to thenotification issued by the city government, "under nocircumstance, pickling activity should be allowed in non-conforming/residential areas. And in case any unit foundoperating illegally, the same will be shut down by themunicipal corporation concerned".
Noting the submissions, the tribunal asked the Delhigovernment to take appropriate decision in accordance with thelaw before February 12, the next date of hearing.
The NGT was hearing a plea filed by NGO, All IndiaLokadhikar Sangthan seeking execution of its order by whichthe green panel had directed the Delhi Pollution ControlCommittee (DPCC) to take action against stainless steelpickling industries.
The plea alleged that steel pickling units functioning atWazirpur discharge effluent in open drains which ultimatelymeet the Yamuna river.
It contended that under the pretext of the decision-making, "time is being taken by the Delhi government and theenvironment is made to suffer continuously".
The tribunal had earlier directed the Central PollutionControl Board (CPCB) to inspect stainless steel picklingindustries in Wazirpur, which were flouting mandatorypollution norms.
The NGO alleged that despite the tribunal's order, theDPCC has failed to implement the direction passed on October17, 2014.
Steel pickling is the process of removing impurities suchas stains and inorganic contaminants from the metal. PTI PKSSC.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.