Haryana Government Takes Tough Stand on Pollution Control: Forest and Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh Issues Strict Directives

Chandigarh, November 13 — Haryana Forest and Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh said the state government is fully committed to controlling environmental pollution and is taking strong measures in line with the guidelines issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court. He emphasized that effective pollution control can only be achieved through coordinated efforts among all concerned departments, ensuring visible results on the ground.

The minister was presiding over a high-level meeting of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board held in Chandigarh. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of Environment and Forest Department Sudhir Rajpal, Board Chairman Vineet Garg, HSIIDC Managing Director Yash Garg, and other senior officials. The meeting reviewed the current status of environmental pollution control in the state and discussed a detailed action plan for the future.

Rao Narbir Singh directed that no industrial or sewage wastewater should flow into the Yamuna River. He ordered the installation of CCTV cameras to monitor CETPs and STPs along 11 drains in the Yamuna catchment area. Each drain will have a designated nodal department and officer responsible for regular inspections and reporting. Regional officers of the Pollution Control Board have been instructed to conduct on-site inspections of industries to verify the actual functioning of STPs and ensure that no untreated wastewater enters the river.

The minister also instructed that the list of tractor-tankers collecting sewage from colonies be shared with the police department. Tankers will now be required to obtain a receipt after disposing of sewage at STP sites to confirm proper discharge. Officials informed the meeting that 242 tankers are registered in the Yamuna catchment area, and police have been directed to set up checkpoints, especially in Sonipat and Panipat districts, to seize illegal tankers.

On air pollution, Singh emphasized regular inspection of pollution testing equipment at petrol pumps to control vehicle emissions. He also announced that a proposal will soon be sent to transfer the authority for pollution certificate control from the Transport Department to the State Pollution Control Board.

The minister stressed that pollution control efforts must yield tangible results rather than remain confined to paperwork. He urged all departments to work in close coordination, define clear responsibilities, and prioritize providing clean air and pure water to the people of Haryana.