Greater Noida Pollution: December-Like Haze Grips Industrial Area As Factories Spew Smoke; Workers Struggle To Breathe

With only half of September gone, a December-like haze has already begun to settle over Greater Noida’s industrial areas. Thick black smoke can be seen rising from factory chimneys in Site B, with several units allegedly releasing smoke throughout the day and night.

Factories are generally required to install pollution-control equipment such as electrostatic precipitators and flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) scrubbers to reduce emissions from chimneys. These systems help control particulate matter and other pollutants before they are released into the atmosphere. However, allegations have surfaced that several units in the area are operating without adequate pollution-control measures, raising concerns over deteriorating air quality.

ALSO READ: Greater Noida Traffic Update: Ecotech-3 Road Soon To Be Expanded To Six Lanes; Check How It Will Benefit Commuters

Workers in the industrial area said the roads are often covered in a layer of haze during the morning and evening, making it difficult to breathe. They alleged that many units operate without proper filters, while the strong chemical odour from factories has caused eye irritation and respiratory discomfort.

Workers Raise Concerns Over Smoke And Chemical Odour

Site B is home to a large number of tyre, plastic, chemical and paint manufacturing units. While regulations require industries to install appropriate pollution-control devices, workers and local entrepreneurs alleged that several factories are not following the prescribed standards.

They also alleged that some factories burn garbage and chemical waste in the evening, further worsening pollution in the area. According to workers and entrepreneurs, repeated complaints have been made to the Pollution Control Department, but concrete action has yet to be taken.

A complaint was submitted to the department five days ago. Regional Pollution Control Officer Vikas Mishra said industrial areas are being continuously monitored and complaints are investigated promptly. He said action is taken against units found violating pollution-control norms.

Mishra said a complaint regarding the matter had been received and that action would be taken after an on-the-spot inspection. He added that notices had already been issued to some units.

Dual-Fuel Generators Also Required To Control Emissions

The Central Pollution Control Board has also mandated the use of dual-source generators as part of measures to control emissions. Retrofitting allows existing diesel generators to operate using both diesel and gas-based fuels such as CNG, LNG or PNG.

Under a dual-fuel system, gas is used alongside diesel to reduce dependence on diesel and help control emissions from generator sets.

ALSO READ: Noida Woman Books Rapido Ride, Rider Sends 'I Love You' Then Dares Her To File Complaint

74 Units Run On PNG, 46 On Biomass

There are more than 30,000 small and large industries in the district. Of these, 74 units operate on PNG, while 46 use biomass as their fuel source.

Authorities have maintained that industrial areas are being monitored and that action will be taken against units found violating prescribed pollution-control standards.