Factories discharging effluents into Yamuna asked to shift

As many as 67 small factories in the city who are discharging effluents directly into the Yamuna have been asked to shift from their current location by end of next month.
"Sixty-seven small factories which are discharging hazardous acids have been asked to shift by March 31. They can either shift to an industrial area or to a place of their choice," ADM and Nodal Officer of Yamuna action plan Dhirendra Sachan said.
A meeting in this regard was held yesterday which was attended by district authorities, Uttar Pradesh Pollution control Board (UPPCB) officials and representatives of factories.
Factories which will not shift within the given time would be sealed, he said.

According to the ADM, factories running without permission from UPPCB are being enlisted as stern action would also be taken against them.
For safety and security of the plants in industrial area, a police outpost may be set up in the area, he said.

The ADM has asked people to submit list of unauthorised factories and said that the identity of persons providing information will not be disclosed.
During the meeting, secretary of factories association Harish Garg expressed his inability to shift the factories outside the city area owing to security constraints.
He also said that effluent of the factories is discharged after treating it.

Assistant Engineer UPPCB S R Maurya said that in the present scenario it was difficult to make surprise checks in these factories as they are being run from their homes.
A PIL in this regard has been filed by one Gopeshwar Nath Chaturvedi in the Allahabad High Court and the case is pending.
Nath alleged since Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in these factories are not running, acid mixed chemical jeopardises STP of Municipal Board.
"It finally reduces DO level of Yamuna causing death of water animals as natural purifying system also fails," he said.