The effect of harvest residue burning by farmers in several northern regions in the country has started showing its bad effect and the pollutant factory operations is being questioned by the authorities. Due to weather conditions, burning of harvest residue and ignorance of pollution control norms by manufacturing units create breathing and health problems for city dwellers. Observing the bad effects, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has come into action against rapidly increasing air pollution in the state.
In order to control the worsening air pollution, the board has taken strict action due to which many factories’ production has been put on hold till November 15, 2019 in the capital city Lucknow. Its effect is seen in other cities like Ghaziabad, Noida, Moradabad, Meerut also. After UPPCB action, approximately 13 plywood factories’ production has been affected in Lucknow, five units in Ghaziabad; Moradabad is also under the authorities’ scanner. The temporarily closed most plywood factories in Lucknow are located in the area of Talkatora and Faizabad Road.
The suspension of factory operation in Lucknow came to effect after UPPCB board meeting held on October 23, 2019. The board also enquired UPHDC to abstain construction work and a notice has been issued to 29 under construction projects in Lucknow who were not following the pollution control norms. Some of the projects under construction in different cities and some of the wood panel factories have been imposed huge fine by the authorities. According to media report, apart from Lucknow, a fine of total Rs 2.38 crore has also been imposed on the factories in Ghaziabad area. The UPPCB may initiate stricter action against the industrial units in near future if the pollution control norms are not followed in UP.