The online version of Uttrakhand Pollution Control Board can cut short the run of entrepreneurs seeking a no objection certificate (NOC) regarding pollution clearance.

“The online system will start functioning within a few days,” said SS Rana, regional head of UPCB. Rana further said, “With the department going online, it would also expedite the work. Till recently, we have to go to head office in Dehradun even for a small job.”

“The salient feature of this new system is the software installed in it to issue certificates and other related documents which will be considered legal even by the court,” Rana added.

There are over 600 industries indifferent parts of the area, including Kashipur industrial area, Baazpur, Rudrapur, SIDCUL, Lalkuan, Pantnagar, Haldwani and Sitarganj to name a few. After SIDCUL coming into existence, industrial activities have increased in the region, increasing the importance of the Pollution Control Board to keep a check on air pollution.

“Though the impact of gases like Sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide is within permissible limits, but sometimes the level of Suspended Particle Matters(SPM) varies,” Rana further informed, attributing these variations to the increasing number of vehicles, changing weather conditions, increasing commercial activities and population to name a few.

Haldwani is one of the most polluted parts of Kumaon. It is not only because of its increasing commercial activities, being commercial capital of Kumaon, and increasing population and vehicles, but also due to some old factories. Pollution emanating from these old mills has now become a major area of concern to maintain a pollution free environment. Though these factories have installed pollution checking devices following the strict guidelines of the pollution control board, the vehicles used for loading goods on premises of these factories are also causing environmental hazards.