Power snapped for unpaid bill, STPs defunct

Kanpur: Regional Pollution Control Board on Tuesday raided the Wajidpur Treatment plant and observed that all three STPs (130 MLD, 43 MLD and 5 MLD ) treatment plants were non-functional. The Pollution Control Board team, led by regional pollution control board officer Amit Mishra, found 43 MLD and 5 MLD plants were completely non-functional while some units of 130 MLD plants were operational. Three aeration tanks were off and polluted water was flowing into the river.The officers deputed there informed the team that power connection was disconnected due to non-payment of bill, hence the plant could not be operative. Another team that visited Bingawan STP found that the 210 MLD plant was non-functional and polluted water was being drained into river Pandu.District magistrate Vishak G Iyer intervened and assured KESCO that their dues would be paid soon. Kesco, thereafter, restored the power connection. A sum of around Rs 250 crore in power dues was pending against the STP.

47 polluting industries off Hindon, 45 MLD effluents flowing into it

A committee formed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has found over 278 gross polluting units operating on the banks of the Hindon River. A report presented by the panel states that 47 of these units do not comply with effluent discharge regulations. Additionally, there are at least 82 non-gross polluting units along the river banks, of which three also do not comply with the norms. The NGT has directed the committee to study the extent of pollution in the river and propose measures for its rejuvenation.

'There are no non-smokers in cities that are grappling with air pollution'

Living in cities with high air pollution levels is equivalent to smoking several cigarettes a day. Lucknow is one of the nine cities in Uttar Pradesh facing this issue. A workshop organized by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board and the Lung Care Foundation highlighted the need for lifestyle changes and collective efforts to address climate change. The workshop also emphasized the importance of relying on solar energy and LPG gas for cooking instead of wood or stubble. Emissions from industries and the need for greener manufacturing practices were also discussed.

Mumbai: BMC to take various measures to control air pollution due to construction activities

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a circular outlining measures to control environmental pollution caused by construction activities in Mumbai. The circular includes guidelines that must be followed by ongoing and proposed building construction works, such as using wind-breaking tin or metal sheets around construction sites and using tarpaulin or jute sheets to cover areas under demolition structures. Regular cleaning of these materials and on-site crushing and hammering of demolition material are also required. The aim of these measures is to prevent and control the adverse effects of dust, noise, and vibration on the environment.