Faridabad MC intensifies drive against pollution
The Faridabad Municipal Corporation (MC) has intensified efforts against pollution by issuing nearly 90 challans in the past 10 days, collecting fines worth Rs 1.08 lakh. Since January, 1,828 violations have resulted in penalties amounting to Rs 23.34 lakh. These actions are part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) enforced by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the NCR since October 1.
The MC’s anti-pollution drive is addressing a range of violations, including the use of polythene, open garbage dumping, waste burning, improper dairy waste disposal, open defecation, lack of dustbin usage, illegal meat shops and stray cattle on roads. A recent report revealed that of the 90 new challans, 45 were for using polythene, 35 for waste burning, seven for garbage dumping and three for not using dustbins. The majority of these fines were issued in NIT, Badkhal, and Old Faridabad, with 12 cases in Ballabgarh.
Officials expect the number of violations to increase as air quality worsens with the onset of winter. So far, the MC has been issuing around 200 challans per month on average. Polythene use tops the violations list, followed by garbage dumping.
Despite stray cattle being a significant issue in Faridabad, only 31 challans were issued for letting cattle roam freely, although reports estimate the city has thousands of stray animals.
Adding to the anti-pollution measures, the Pollution Control Board recently seized over 120 kg of illegal non-green firecrackers being sold in the area.
Local activist Varun Sheokand criticised the authorities, particularly concerning stray cattle, which he claims contribute to road accidents and fatalities. He highlighted the civic body’s failure to address the issue, as over 30,000 stray cows continue to roam the streets. Sheokand is preparing to file a petition in the High Court on this matter.
MC’s Additional Commissioner Gaurav Antil assured that the corporation is fully committed to implementing GRAP guidelines, stating, “Strict action will be taken against all violations.” The intensified drive is expected to continue as winter approaches and air quality in the region remains vulnerable.
