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Time of India
an hour ago
- Health
- Time of India
NO2 levels in city's air three times higher than safe limits
Gurgaon: Concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) -- a pollutant emitted by burning fuel in vehicles, power plants and industries – exceeded the maximum safe limit by three times in the past two days. Data from the Gwal Pahari air quality monitoring station showed that average NO2 for eight hours was 133µg/m³ on Thursday and 123µg/m³ on Friday. In India, the safe limit for exposure to NO2 is 40µg/m³. The maximum concentration considered safe by the World Health Organization is even lower, at 25 µg/m³. Experts said emissions from vehicles, especially in congested areas, is likely to be the key reason for NO2 pollution. They said NO2 does not get as much regulatory attention as other pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), though it is associated with exacerbating respiratory ailments. Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said on Friday, "Elevated NO₂ levels in the city are predominantly due to vehicular emissions. Old vehicles and traffic congestion are key sources of NO2 here." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Asked about action taken to reduce NO2 emissions, an official of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) said the agency has allowed a private firm to scrap old vehicles. "This aims to remove polluting vehicles from city roads," the official said. A senior HSPCB official said NO2 levels are likely to have spiked after brief relief due to pre-monsoon showers. "The recent rains had kept nitrogen dioxide levels in check by dispersing pollutants. But with clear skies and calmer weather now, NO2 from vehicular and industrial emissions is building up, especially in traffic-dense areas. Unlike particulate matter, NO2 often flies under the radar, but prolonged exposure can be equally hazardous," the official said. Currently, just one of the four air quality monitoring stations is functioning in the city. Dr Bandana Mishra, who heads the pulmonology and respiratory medicine department at Manipal Hospital in Gurgaon said everyone is at risk from high NO2 exposure, but children and the elderly suffer the most. "Nitrogen dioxide exposure can lead to increased inflammation of the airways, which results in persistent cough wheezing, reduced lung function and a higher frequency of asthma attacks," Dr Mishra said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Gurugram enforces firecracker ban based on SC, state orders
The district administration on Wednesday imposed a complete and immediate ban on the sale, storage, manufacture, transport, and use of firecrackers across Gurugram, in compliance with Supreme Court directions and a Haryana government directive aimed at reducing air and noise pollution in the National Capital Region. Deputy commissioner Ajay Kumar said enforcement teams have been constituted at both the district and sub-division levels. 'Strict instructions have been issued to all enforcement teams to act without delay against any violation,' Kumar said, urging public cooperation and vigilance. The action follows the Supreme Court's April 3, 2025, order in WP (C) 13029/1985 – MC Mehta v. Union of India, which imposed a year-long ban on firecrackers—including green crackers—across Delhi-NCR under Article 21 (right to a pollution-free environment). The court also directed the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to enforce the ban under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Aligning with the SC's ruling, Haryana had already issued its own directive on December 19, 2024, enforcing the same ban across NCR districts. The district-level enforcement committee, headed by the deputy commissioner and convened by the regional officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), includes officials from police, fire, education, and public relations departments. These teams will monitor illegal sales, seize banned stock, dispose of it safely under the Explosives Rules, 2008 Sub-divisional teams—led by magistrates and supported by deputy commissioners of police, tehsildars, block development officers, fire officers, and education officers—will conduct rural and ground-level enforcement. All seized firecrackers must be documented and disposed of within 48 hours, with reports submitted to the DC and HSPCB, officials added. Violators face penalties under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act (up to ₹15 lakh), BNS Section 233 (disobedience to public order), and the Explosives Act, 1884, including imprisonment. Premises may be sealed, stock confiscated, and FIRs registered, state officials said. Gurugram residents can report violations via email (hspcbrogrn@ X (@HspcbN), or WhatsApp (+91 9084220708, +91 9466777145). Complaints will be acknowledged within 24 hours and addressed within 48. The district committee will review enforcement monthly, officials said.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Gururgam's Sec 29 pubs running on diesel gensets under HSPCB scanner
Several high-profile pubs, restaurants, and clubs in Sector 29 are operating illegally, violating a host of environmental and civic norms, despite official action from authorities. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has found multiple outlets functioning without the mandatory Consent to Operate (CTO), and many are still running on banned diesel generators despite having their electricity disconnected. According to officials, over a dozen restaurants, and pubs are in violation of the environmental norms. They added that these violations have caused them to seal six of these establishments. 'Diesel gensets are a serious pollutant, and only CNG-based backup is allowed in non-attainment cities like Gurugram. These outlets are openly flouting rules,' said an HSPCB official, requesting anonymity. Under the National Clean Air Programme, diesel gensets are barred in such zones due to their impact on air quality, officials added. Adding to the violations, several establishments are operating without occupation certificates (OC) issued by the pollution board and lack sewage treatment plants (STPs)—or have only claimed to install them on paper. According to HSPCB officials, solid and liquid waste from kitchens is being dumped in open areas including green belts, parking lots, and even stormwater drains adjacent to Leisure Valley, leading to sanitation hazards and clogged sewer say many of these establishments have been operating without an OC for at least two months. HSPCB regional officer Akansha Tanwar said the department had issued multiple notices and sealed kitchens. 'We have disconnected power in certain outlets and are planning surprise inspections. Anyone found operating illegally will face strict action under the Environmental Protection Act,' she said. 'Sector 29 has become a cesspool of unchecked dumping. You can smell the decay from the main road,' said Rajeev Yadav, a Supreme Court advocate and environmental activist. 'The administration has failed miserably. Expect boats, not cars, to enter the market once the monsoon arrives,' he added. Environmental activist Vaishali Rana echoed similar concerns. 'No pub can get CTO without an OC and an STP—yet they're all running with impunity. What example are we setting for the rest of the city?' she asked. However, pub managers claimed they were pushed into a corner. 'The electricity disconnection has crippled us. We are operating on gensets because we've had zero business for weeks,' said one manager, requesting anonymity. Another added, 'This is peak season. Give us a window to comply instead of abruptly cutting power.' Local RWAs and councillors are now demanding coordinated action. 'You can't have a lawless hospitality zone in the middle of the city,' said Anoop Singh, MCG councillor from Ward 25. 'This is a public health issue.'
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Just one-fourth of environmental penalties recovered in 6 years, Haryana pollution board to NGT
Gurgaon: Just a quarter of environmental compensation (EC) imposed on those found violating norms in six years was recovered, Haryana's pollution control board told NGT, urging it to consider ways for taking legal action against defaulters. HSPCB told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) earlier this month that it imposed EC amounting to Rs 499 crore on 462 industrial units operating without mandatory clearances between April 2019 and Mar 2025. Of this, Rs 132 crore was recovered as EC, but the remaining – Rs 367 crore – was pending. HSPCB said that it runs into several obstructions in recovering EC. A key problem is that small-scale industrial units evade paying compensation by abandoning rented or illegally occupied premises after they are issued closure orders. These units operate in compact or open spaces, making enforcement and tracking difficult. Once vacated, the EC notices remain undelivered, it said. HSPCB also pointed out that the lack of any statutory mechanism or policy to write off EC dues means that they keep mounting. "There is no policy/scheme to settle or write off the environmental compensation of such units, and thus the amount remains outstanding," the May 20-submission by Krishna Kumar, regional officer, HSPCB (Gurgaon-south), read. "It is also necessary to bring into kind notice of this honourable tribunal that due to the absence of any statutory backup for imposition and recovery of environmental compensation, it is humbly prayed to this tribunal to implead the defaulter units and to initiate the action against them for recovery of the environmental compensation," the submission added. HSPCB's response came on a petition by activist Varun Gulati, who sought a manner to address delays in recovering EC imposed by the board on polluters. Gulati argues that such delays may benefit polluters as the slow pace of enforcement allows them to continue operations without facing timely financial consequences. "It is clear that HSPCB has failed to do its job. Even though it has imposed EC, it hasn't collected EC. Then what's the use of imposing EC? Instead of paying up the fines, many of the 'sealed' or 'closed' units just begin operations somewhere else. Owners get away by saying the units have been dismantled or closed. This reveals the huge nexus between HSPCB staff and these polluters," Gulati told TOI on Monday. The bench of NGT chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad will take up the petition next on Sept 8. An HSPCB official said the tribunal may consider policy interventions or legal reforms to address this enforcement gap in EC. Environmental compensation was introduced in 2017 after NGT's landmark ruling in the Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti & Anr. vs Union of India & Others case. In this judgment, the tribunal emphasised on holding industrial units accountable and directed the central and state pollution control boards to form a policy based on the 'polluter pays' principle. State pollution control boards were empowered to establish a methodology for assessing and recovering compensation for environmental damages. This amount is then supposed to be utilised for environmental protection or restoring/reviving the damaged area.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
Illegal sand mining alters Yamuna's course in Sonipat: Irrigation department report
CHANDIGARH: Unregulated sand mining – in violation of environmental laws and National Green Tribunal ( NGT ) directives – has changed the course of the Yamuna river in Asadpur village of Sonipat , according to officials of the irrigation and water resources department. In a report submitted after a field inspection on May 22, a four-member team of the department led by R K Bodwal, superintending engineer (SE), Sonipat, has flagged widespread illegal mining activity. The team, which included executive engineers Ashish Kaushik and Gulshan Kumar and sub-divisional officer Himanshu, revealed that licensed operators were excavating far beyond permitted zones while using heavy machinery directly in the active river stream. Their findings, detailed in a formal communication to the chief engineer, Yamuna Water Services (South), New Delhi, were accompanied by geotagged photographs and videos. "Several unauthorised paths have been created and the river's natural flow has been diverted to facilitate illegal extraction," the letter, accessed by TOI, stated. The report pointed out the absence of boundary pillars, making it impossible to verify whether mining remained within legal limits. Officials of the irrigation department as well as in the office of the Sonipat deputy commissioner confirmed the communication. "If you visit the spot, you will find that it is not just a loss to natural resources and diversion of the natural flow of the stream, but it has also resulted in a heavy loss to the state exchequer, similar to what happened in Panchkula, Chhachrauli, and Yamunanagar," said a senior official of the department that has demanded the immediate suspension of mining operations and punitive action against those responsible for the "gross violations" of environmental and mining laws. The violations include those of the Environment Protection Act, sand mining guidelines, guidelines of NGT related to barring the use of any kind of machinery for the extraction of mining material from the Yamuna from Sonipat to New Delhi and the Mines and Minerals Act, according to the report. Despite multiple complaints by villagers and department officials, enforcement agencies, including the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), and local police, have allegedly failed to take action. Attempts to contact senior officials in the mines and geology department and the HSPCB were unsuccessful. However, late Saturday night, the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau registered a case against the company holding the local sand mining licence. The firm is accused of extensive illegal operations within the Yamuna riverbed The issue has also taken a political turn, with Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala taking a dig at chief minister Nayab Singh Saini. "Nayab Saini, at least give some respect to Kanha's (Lord Krishna's) Yamuna," he said.
