In a major step to curb rising air pollution, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has issued notices to 250 polluting factories in Ghaziabad, directing them to install Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) by the end of December.
According to pollution control officials, Ghaziabad has 385 pollution-causing industrial units, including 353 small-scale units, 21 medium industries, and 11 large factories. So far, OCEMS has been installed on the chimneys of 50 large industrial units, enabling real-time monitoring of emissions.
Red Category Factories Under Scanner
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has now instructed that Red Category (highly polluting) factories must also be brought under continuous online surveillance. UPPCB officials confirmed that 250 such units have been identified, with dyeing factories forming the largest group. Most of these units are located in Arya Nagar and Roop Nagar industrial areas.
Regional Pollution Officer Ankit Singh stated that notices have been served to all identified factories. Failure to comply within the stipulated deadline will invite strict action, including sealing of units.
How OCEMS Will Help Control Pollution
Once installed, the OCEMS will be directly connected to the CPCB server, allowing authorities to monitor emissions round the clock. The permissible limit for particulate matter released from factory chimneys is 80 micrograms per cubic meter.
If emission levels exceed prescribed standards repeatedly, the system will automatically trigger alerts. After three consecutive violations, CPCB will notify UPPCB, following which the Ghaziabad regional office will initiate enforcement action. Inspection teams will conduct on-site verification based on OCEMS data and submit reports to headquarters.
Cleaner Fuel Push in Industrial Units
Officials also revealed that 138 industrial units in the district have switched to cleaner fuels like PNG and CNG. However, 12 units were recently issued show-cause notices for using banned fuels. Pollution control teams continue regular inspections across industrial zones to ensure compliance with environmental norms.
Authorities believe that continuous online monitoring will play a crucial role in improving Ghaziabad’s air quality and reducing industrial pollution in the city.
