Ghaziabad: The district administration, in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and the electricity department, shut down more than 250 industrial units that were discharging untreated industrial effluents into the Yamuna, officials said on Thursday.
“The majority of these industries are located in clustered areas of Loni and Sahibabad. Most of them are dyeing units that colour denim and jeans fabric for supply to markets in Delhi. These units discharge polluted wastewater into the Shahdara drain, which ultimately flows into the Yamuna River,” regional officer of UPPCB Ankit Singh said.
He added that the authorities are working with the electricity department to ensure that units that were sealed do not resume operations without meeting regulatory requirements. “With the help of the electricity department, we are ensuring that these units do not regain access to electricity and continue their operations without complying with environmental norms,” Singh said.
Officials said inspections were conducted across multiple industrial clusters in Ghaziabad, which revealed that several units were operating without mandatory environmental clearances. The survey specifically targeted industries flouting pollution-control norms and discharging untreated wastewater. More than 250 industrial units were shut down so far as part of the exercise. The district administration has also directed departments concerned to strengthen monitoring and take action against any industry found violating environmental regulations. “The exercise will continue in the coming weeks as we identify additional industries that may be contributing to water pollution,” Singh said.
He added that around 500 water-based industries are operating in Ghaziabad. Authorities are still assessing how many of them are not complying with pollution-control measures. “There are approximately 500 water-based industries in the district. We are in the process of identifying those that are not adhering to environmental norms, and action will be taken against them as well,” he said.
A senior official with the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) said that many industrial units in the area have been operating for decades. “Some of these industries have existed since 1965, when regulatory frameworks were different. At present, every industry seeking operational permission is required to obtain fire safety and pollution control clearances, along with approvals from the labour department,” the official said.
Officials said the ongoing inspections are aimed at improving compliance with environmental regulations and reducing the discharge of untreated industrial waste into water bodies connected to the Yamuna River.
