CPCB ordered closure of 442 industries

New Delhi, Mar 14: Closure orders were issued to 442 industries by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for not complying with directions relating to online effluent monitoring devices or violating prescribed standards, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

"CPCB reported that it has identified 764 grossly polluting industries on Ganga river basin states... CPCB has reported that it has issued closure orders to 442 industries throughout the country which have either not complied with the directions relating to online effluent monitoring devices or found to be not complying with prescribed standards," Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said in a written reply.

The key industrial sectors contributing to pollution of river are pulp and paper, distillery, sugar, textile, tannery, thermal power, food, dairy and beverages, chemical, slaughterhouse etc, he said.

Government has taken steps to address pollution control of rivers which include regular monitoring by State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees to check compliance with the standards prescribed under Water (Prevention) Act, 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and action is taken against units not complying with prescribed standards, Javadekar said.

"CPCB issued directions under Section 18 (I)(b) of the Water Act, 1974 to all 11 Ganga Basin States to install continuous effluent online monitoring system by grossly polluting industries discharging effluent continuously before final disposal into river Ganga and its tributaries for self-regulatory purpose.

PTI