A bench headed by Justice Jawad Rahim directed the SDM of the area to file an affidavit and apprise it about the industries which have been shut down for running without requisite permissions and causing air pollution.

“Counsel for the applicant submits the sealing of the industries which are running illegally has not be done. It is also stated that the factories which are actually causing pollution have not been sealed by the officers.

“In these circumstances, SDM of the area concerned shall file a statement giving details of the industries which according to them have been sealed by the next date of hearing,” the bench said, listing the matter for next hearing on July 12.

Earlier, the NGT had directed Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and North Delhi Municipal Corporation to jointly inspect the area and submit a detailed report.

It had also directed DPCC to also state whether they had given consent to operate to any of these units and, if not, then what action they have taken for all these years.

The order came on the plea of city resident Krishan Kumar seeking closure of illegal industries in PrahladpurBangar area of Rohini in West Delhi on the ground that these were causing air pollution.

The plea claimed that numerous industrial units were operating in residential areas without consent from DPCC and the authorities have turned “blind eye” towards them.