Acting on a complaint, GPCB officials conducted a drive to check industrial units in Surat and rural areas, including GIDC in Udhna, Pandesara, Limbayat, Sachin, Katargam, Kim, Kosamba, Palsana, Kamrej, among others.

Industrial units covered under the drive are dyeing and printing units, powerloom factories, small industrial units and embroidery factories.

The raids that started 10 days ago culminated on Thursday and the officials found that many factories were discharging untreated industrial waste directly into the creeks or rivers. Some others were found violating air pollution norms.

G V Patel, regional officer of GPCB in Surat, said, "We have started a drive of surprise checking. We came across complaints from many people in Surat city and rural areas about the factories violating the water and air pollution norms. We acted and have taken strict steps. We are waiting for the explanation report from the factory owners, and if it is found convincing enough, we will give them the nod to continue with the factory after giving them a warning or else if the report is not satisfactory, we will inform DGVCL officials to disconnect the power supply line to the factory."

Sources said the factory owners will have to keep their factory closed for 15 days, during which

time, they would have to submit the explanation report to the GPCB and rectify the mistake.