Industry representatives flag closure notices, monitoring glitches and rising operating costs; some entrepreneurs consider shifting units to Uttar Pradesh
Industrialists in Panipat have threatened a one-day symbolic strike and a protest at a toll plaza on National Highway 44 if their concerns over pollution checks are not addressed by Dussehra. They have also warned of shutting down their units and shifting operations to Delhi or Uttar Pradesh if the situation continues.
Association president Nitin Arora alleged that stringent pollution norms and closure notices issued over minor technical glitches in online monitoring systems were making it difficult for industries to operate. He said industrial units faced inspections by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and third-party agencies.
Arora added that restarting a unit after closure had become a cumbersome process, creating further difficulties for industrial operators.
Closure Notices and Pollution Monitoring Concerns
Bhim Rana, state president of the Haryana Environment Management Society, said industrialists had made advance payments to CPCB-approved vendors for installing bag filters, but several vendors had failed to meet the October 1 deadline.
He added that closure notices had been issued to more than 600 industrial units over technical faults in online monitoring systems.
Rana also raised concerns over differences in piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) prices, which he said ranged from ₹46 to ₹71 per kg.
Industry Seeks Policy Support and NCR Exclusion
Vibhu Paliwal, secretary of the Panipat Exporters’ Association, said industrialists were seeking a five-year policy for the sector and wanted Panipat to be excluded from the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).
As an alternative, he called for a textile park outside the NCR, stating that entrepreneurs would otherwise bear an additional 3% freight cost.
Paliwal said officials in Uttar Pradesh had invited industrialists to establish units in the state. According to him, entrepreneurs had held three meetings with Uttar Pradesh officials and were considering relocating operations to Shamli and Kairana.
Virbhan Singla, president of the Old Industrial Area Manufacturers’ Association, also raised concerns over the closure of industrial units.
The industrialists have warned of further protest action if their grievances remain unresolved by Dussehra.