The Delhi government will study the environmental impact of units engaged in dyeing or washing of garments and metal surface treatment activities such as electroplating and phosphating.
- The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has called for proposals from academic institutions in this regard by February 28.
The Immediate Concern: Effluents from small-scale units operating in non-conforming and residential areas in Delhi flow directly into the Yamuna, increasing its pollution load, news agency Press Trust of India (PTI) reported quoting officials.
- Most of these units operate without permission and effluent treatment plants.
- Their effluents have high concentrations of ammonia and phosphates, one of the primary reasons behind the thick foam on the river water.
The Study: The DPCC has decided to conduct an environmental study to know the pollution potential and its treatment facilities, impact on the environment and remedial measures, a notice on the DPCC website announced.
- The study will ascertain how much water is being used by these units and the capacity of the treatment plants and water bodies in their areas.
- Activities such as dyeing or washing of jeans and other garments or metal surface treatment — electroplating, phosphating, and anodising etc. — have huge water consumption and pollution potential.
The Backdrop: In July last year, the DPCC had sealed six jeans dyeing and washing units for polluting water in the Kavi Nagar area amid resistance from locals and their representatives.
- The DPCC, Revenue Department and South MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) had in December 2020 sealed 40 units engaged in similar activities. Soon after lifting of lockdown restrictions, it started receiving complaints that such units had resurfaced in Khyala and its adjoining areas.
- In September 2020, the DPCC had filed an Action Taken Report in response to an order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
- In all, 61 units were inspected, with most being found to be operating without consent or approvals.
- Another 79 units were also inspected, with 12 of them found to be functioning without either consent or a functional effluent treatment plant.
