The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) is set to implement an online system for monitoring industrial emissions starting June 1. This initiative aims to curb pollution levels across the state by ensuring that industries comply with environmental norms in real time.
Real-Time Monitoring to Curb Pollution
Under the new system, industries will be required to install continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) that transmit data directly to the board's central server. This will allow officials to track pollutant levels such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter without manual inspections.
Compliance and Penalties
Industries failing to install the monitoring equipment or exceeding permissible emission limits will face strict penalties, including possible closure. The board has warned that non-compliance will not be tolerated, as the state grapples with deteriorating air quality.
HSPCB Chairman S. S. Prasad stated that the move is part of a broader strategy to leverage technology for environmental protection. He said, 'Online monitoring will bring transparency and efficiency, making it easier to identify violators and take corrective action promptly.'
Impact on Industrial Sector
The new regulation will affect hundreds of factories in Haryana's industrial belts, including those in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Panipat. While some industry bodies have expressed concerns about the cost of installation, environmental activists have welcomed the decision as a long-overdue step towards accountability.
The board has also announced plans to expand the monitoring network to cover smaller units in phases. Additionally, data from the system will be made publicly accessible to foster community oversight.
This initiative aligns with the Central Pollution Control Board's guidelines and is expected to set a precedent for other states. By automating emission tracking, Haryana aims to reduce manual errors and ensure 24/7 surveillance of polluting sources.
