Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee has closed an illegal electroplating industry releasing acid and chemicals in the open at Makhan Majra village.

The unit had been operating from a residential area for the last couple of months. The administration has seized documents and started questioning the owner of the land. It was found that neither the electricity department of the UT nor the owner had given the power connection to the industry. In fact, some private people, with the name of ‘Janta Connection Electricity’, had given the power connection to the unit. Electricity poles had been fixed to supply power. Considering the power theft and its further distribution, the CPCC has written to the UT power department to look into the matter and find out how an illegal unit got the power connection. Initial probe has revealed that three people were actively involved with ‘Janta Connection Electricity’.

Debendra Dalai, member secretary, CPCC, said “It is important to find out how this illegal industry unit got power supply. We have asked the power department to look into the matter. Moreover, a probe is going on and whosoever will be found responsible, will be penalised.” An electroplating unit generally makes screws and related items. Chemicals are used to coat the outer layers of these screws and effluents have to be disposed in a scientific manner.

Illegal units: Parida to seek details

These types of industries fall in the red category, which means that they are dealing with dangerous chemicals.

UT adviser Manoj Parida said, “I will personally look into the matter and collect information from officers of engineering and power departments.” There are over 100 electroplating industries in Industrial Area, phases I and II, Chandigarh. All of them have taken required permission and set up effluent treatment plants on their premises to discharge chemicals. Regular checks are conducted to ensure adherence to guidelines.

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