As India pursues rapid economic growth, its industrial hubs grapple with a growing environmental crisis. The country’s 3,519 Gross Polluting Industries (GPIs) significantly impact air, water, and soil quality. These industries now stand at a crucial juncture, striving to balance environmental regulations, sustainability, and economic survival.
Pollution Hotspots: UP and Haryana Dominate
Nearly 80% of India’s GPIs are concentrated in just two states – Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Uttar Pradesh alone houses 47% of these high-pollution industries, making it the epicenter of India’s industrial pollution crisis.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies GPIs as industries that discharge effluents into water bodies, handle hazardous substances, or generate effluents with a biochemical oxygen demand load of 100 kg/day or more.
The Heavyweights in Pollution
Recent data from the ministry of environment, forest, and climate change reveals alarming figures. Uttar Pradesh leads the list with 1,644 GPIs. Of these, 410 have voluntarily shut down, leaving 1,234 operational units. Among them, 1,179 comply with environmental standards.
Haryana follows closely with 1,140 GPIs. While 174 have ceased operations, 966 remain active, and 957 of these meet environmental norms, showcasing a high compliance rate.
Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat report the highest number of non-compliant GPIs, struggling to meet regulatory standards.
Regulatory Actions and Compliance Rates
Across India, 81% of GPIs (2,849 units) remain operational, while 670 (19%) have shut down voluntarily. Encouragingly, 97% of GPIs reportedly comply with environmental regulations, while 3% continue to violate them, worsening pollution.
To enforce compliance, the CPCB collaborates with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs). The CPCB has issued show-cause notices to 21 non-compliant industries and closure directives to 73 units, including 55 in Uttar Pradesh and five in Haryana.
The board also conducts surprise inspections to ensure adherence. Industries that violate norms face strict legal action under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
The Challenge Ahead
India has made significant progress in regulating pollution-heavy industries, yet challenges remain. The voluntary closure of 670 GPIs raises concerns about the economic sustainability of smaller industries struggling with compliance costs.
For industrial powerhouses like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, the road ahead involves a dual challenge – ensuring environmental sustainability while maintaining economic growth.
As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, effective policies, stricter monitoring, and sustainable industrial practices will determine how India balances its economic ambitions with its environmental responsibilities.
