Pollution board cracks down on polluting units along Dwarka Eway

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has intensified its crackdown on environmental violations along the Dwarka Expressway corridor in Gurugram, issuing show-cause notices to multiple housing projects, industrial units and 58 construction sites over alleged pollution control lapses.

The action follows directions issued during a Yamuna Action Plan review meeting chaired by the HSPCB Chairman. Inspections were carried out on May 6 and 7 to assess the operational status and compliance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) installed by builders and colonisers, besides identifying illegal industrial activity in residential areas along the Dwarka Expressway belt.

Among the projects inspected were Lotus Realtech Private Limited’s “Lotus Homz Affordable Group Housing Colony” in Sector 111, Village Chauma, and an industrial unit identified as M/s Haryana Metal located on Pataudi Road in Amar Colony, Gurugram.

During the inspection, officials found that the STP installed at Lotus Homz was allegedly not functioning properly. Samples from both the inlet and outlet points of the STP were collected and sent to the HSPCB laboratory for analysis. Officials said the reports were awaited.

Show-cause notices have been issued to both inspected units, and further action will be taken after the expiry of the stipulated response period under the notices.

In a separate enforcement drive, HSPCB also issued 58 show-cause notices to construction sites for proposed closure and levy of environmental compensation after web cameras installed for remote monitoring were found non-operational. The board stated that action regarding closure and environmental penalties would be initiated after the expiry of the stipulated timeline or after receiving replies from the project proponents, whichever is earlier.

Officials warned that similar notices would continue to be issued in future cases where dust mitigation measures were found non-compliant during inspections.

The pollution board also convened a meeting of industrial associations on May 7 at the Regional Office of HSPCB, Gurugram Region (North). During the meeting, industries were directed to ensure proper operation and maintenance of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs).

HSPCB officials issued a stern warning that any industrial unit found bypassing untreated effluent would face immediate closure action without further opportunity, along with environmental compensation and prosecution proceedings.