New Delhi, Oct 23 (KNN) The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) which is tasked with the responsibility to check and control air pollution in the National Capital Region has instructed the industrialists to stop burning plastic and rubber waste in the Narela and Bawana industrial belt as it has escalated the level of toxic content.

The decision has been taken on Monday in a meeting which was attended by EPCA Chairman, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Narela Industrial Estate representatives.

The move came when it has been found that many industries operating in this belt burnt waste in open, deteriorating the air quality and causing serious health hazards.

After discussing all the pros and cons with the concerned authorities, EPCA Chairman, Bhure Lal instructed the Narela Industrial Estate representatives to stop burning the plastic and rubber waste immediately.

Also, they have been warned that any kind of violation will lead to a compensation of hefty fine which might also lead to prosecution.

The industries have sought ten days to clear the waste dumped on the roadsides.

However, in their own defend, representatives of the industries stated that they do not have a place to dump the waste.

And also, it was discussed in the meeting was that most of the waste is dumped at night. As a solution to this, EPCA suggested night patrolling to improve the ongoing scenario.

Another important issue that was discussed during the meeting was the stubble burning practice of burning industrial waste which is considered as a major reason for air pollution as it produces dioxins which damage the immune system, hormones and also cause cancer.

During the discussion, industrialists assured that no burning will take place till EPCA grants permission.

Taking a strict move against those contributing air pollution, two industries operating in this industrial belt have already been fined, one with Rs. 10 lakh and the other with Rs. 5 lakh for dumping waste on the roads.

To keep an eye on the industrialist in this belt, the team will revisit the locations in the first week of November to check the progress.