In Arunachal, several firms face closure for flouting norms

: The pollution control board in Arunachal Pradesh has issued closure orders to several industries in the state for operating without a "valid consent", an official statement said here today.

The move was aimed at regulating the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) 1974, Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act 1986.

Several hotel companies and stone quarries have come under fire for violating Water Act 1974, Air Act 1981 and Environment Protection Act 1986, the statement said.

Taking serious note of the matter, the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB), in its notice, requested the deputy commissioners of various districts to seal the companies that flouted the norms, it said.

The board also instructed the power and public health engineering & water departments to disconnect supply till further orders.

"Non-compliance of the order of closure shall be treated as contravention of mandated orders of the Supreme Court of India and National Green Tribunal and the matter shall be brought to the notice of appropriate authorities for further course of action," the statement said quoting the APSPCB order.