Soon, 10 air quality monitors to be installed in stone-crusher zones

Gurgaon: Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) will install 10 air monitors in stone-crusher areas across the state. These monitors will focus on measuring three key pollutants: PM 10, PM 2.5 and carbon monoxide (CO), which are critical indicators of air quality and public health.

The installation and operationalisation of these air monitors are expected to be completed by Dec. Of the 10 air monitors, five will be strategically placed in Mahendragarh and five in Charkhi Dadri — two districts known for their high concentration of stone-crushing units. Funding for the air monitors will be a collaborative effort, with 50% of the costs covered by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the remaining 50% by HSPCB.

HSPCB has prepared a detailed plan for this project — aimed to closely monitor and manage air quality in regions heavily impacted by industrial activities.

"By Dec, air around the stone-crusher areas will be monitored regularly. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance environmental monitoring and ensure cleaner air for residents in affected areas. By implementing these measures, we aim to address air pollution and safeguard the health of its citizens. These air monitors are low-cost as they will just focus on three parameters," a senior HSPCB official told TOI on Monday. The project has been recommended for funding of Rs 5.1 crore under the NGT environmental compensation funds.

According to a report submitted by the state govt to NGT last year, out of the 133 units operating in Mahendragarh, 59 were found to be violating the provisions of a 2016 notification on stone crushers as well as those of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Out of these 59 units, 24 units were closed by HSPCB by revoking their CTO, 32 closed down on their own and closure action is underway against three units. HSPCB has set up another five manual monitoring stations, it said. In Charkhi Dadri, 104 stone-crushing units were found not complying with the norms and operating without valid CTE/CTO. The govt said 40 such units were closed by HSPCB, seven closed down on their own and 57 units were found to be dismantled.

Experts welcomed the move but pointed out that industries need to be held accountable. "Installation of air monitors in stone-crusher areas will provide much-needed data to tackle air pollution.

It is essential that we hold industries accountable and enforce regulations to protect public health and the environment. This initiative by the HSPCB, supported by the CPCB, is a positive move in the right direction and we hope to see continued efforts to improve air quality across the state," Trustee of Aravallis Bachao Citizens Movement Vaishali Rana said.