Delhi govt fined Rs 50 crore for not acting against illegal steel pickling plants

The Delhi Government has been fined Rs. 50 crores by the National Green Tribunal for not taking action against steel pickling units in residential areas as they fall under the prohibited list of industrial activity. The Tribunal has also ordered to shut down these units immediately while thrashing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government for not following the specific Instructions given to close the industrial units. The order of the Tribunal has been passed in a plea filed by the All India Lokadhikar Sangathan, which sought the implementation of the NGT's order that ordered the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to take action against stainless steel pickling industries in residential areas. The plea had stated that the pickling units are functioning in the Wazirpur area and are discharging effluents in open drains which are ultimately polluting the Yamuna River. It stated that the Delhi government is taking time in the pretext of decision making while the environment is made to suffer continuously. The process of steel pickling is used to remove impurities such as stains and inorganic contaminants from the metal. The city government had informed the NGT earlier this year that steel pickling activity is prohibited in residential areas under the Delhi Master Plan, 2021.