New Delhi, May 9 (KNN)  Alleging that the units were discharging untreated waste water into sewers, roads and storm water drains, causing irreparable damage to the environment, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPPC) today ordered the closure of as many as 112 steel pickling units in the Wazirpur Industrial Area here.
 
When approached several units refused to comment on the move or disclose details.
 
Pickling is a process of surface treatment to remove impurities such as stains or inorganic contaminants from the metal. In the steel pickling process, an acidic solution called 'pickle liquor' is used to remove surface impurities from metals for cleaning them.
 
DPPC has come down strictly on the matter, even asking power distribution companies and the water board to cut supply to the 112 units with immediate effect.
 
Further, it has asked the North Municipal Corporation to cancel the factory license of the units.
 
Reacting to the closure notice, General Secretary of Wazirpur Small Industrial Association, Rajpal Gupta said, “The move will lead to higher imports and high costs of steel.”
 
Gupta added that it will also lead to job losses.

 
Wazirpur Industrial Area is well known for manufacturing and sale of steel kitchen utensils.   The pickling process involves removing impurities from stainless steel by treating it with hot sulphuric acid solution. (KNN/ES)