The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has directed paper mills in Muzaffarnagar to sign memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee for a technical assessment. This action follows complaints from residents and environmental activists alleging that local units were transporting and burning waste from Delhi's Ghazipur landfill, raising air pollution concerns.
Complaints of Waste Burning and Pollution
Residents and environmental activists alleged that refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from the landfill, often referred to as the “garbage mountain,” was being used as fuel in these mills. This practice reportedly led to a foul odour and deteriorating air quality in nearby areas. The technical team from IIT Roorkee will assess whether the boilers and air pollution control systems in these units meet prescribed environmental norms.
Inspections Underway
Geetesh Chandra, regional officer at UPPCB, confirmed that inspections are currently underway. Out of the 37 identified factories, around 30 are operational, and nine have been assessed so far. “Keeping in view complaints of air pollution caused by the burning of RDF, the board has directed the concerned paper mills to sign MoUs with IIT Roorkee. The assessment is underway, and the report is awaited,” Chandra said.
The evaluation will focus on emission levels and the efficiency of pollution control systems. Muzaffarnagar has over 30 operational paper mills, many of which have been issued notices seeking explanations in response to complaints of “stink and pollution.”
Industry Response
Pankaj Agarwal, former state president of the UP Paper Mill Association, noted that over 20 mills are using such waste material. However, he maintained that the waste is processed into RDF before combustion, which is a permitted practice. “We treat municipal waste before burning it. There are treatment mechanisms in paper mills that convert it into RDF,” he said.
Allegations of Misuse
Local RTI activist Sumit Malik, who raised complaints on the issue, alleged that the practice is being misused. “During 2024-25, paper mill owners obtained permission from the Pollution Control Board in Lucknow to burn RDF. However, this practice is allegedly being misused. Instead of proper RDF, units are reportedly burning hazardous materials such as plastic waste and heavy metals in boilers, which is against industrial regulations and has led to severe air pollution,” Malik said.
