SONIPAT/JHAJJAR/ROHTAK: Air pollution levels across Haryana are witnessing a sharp rise ahead of Diwali, with air quality deteriorating in several cities. According to available data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed the 300 mark in five cities across the state. Bahadurgarh recorded an AQI of 371, indicating a severe deterioration in air quality, while Gurugram registered 327 and Panipat 317. Sonipat recorded an AQI of 209.Amid the worsening pollution situation, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has intensified enforcement measures in Sonipat and Jhajjar. In Sonipat, the board has written to the electricity distribution utility seeking disconnection of power supply to 23 establishments allegedly violating directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Meanwhile, in Jhajjar district, an illegal operation involving the burning of plastic, PVC wires and electrical cables was detected during a midnight raid in Mandothi village. Five persons have been identified, while three vehicles and 101 bags of material were seized.According to CPCB data, air pollution levels in Haryana remain a matter of concern. Bahadurgarh recorded an AQI of 371, the highest among the cities cited in the available figures. Gurugram registered 327, while Panipat recorded 317. Sonipat’s AQI stood at 209.With the onset of winter, falling night temperatures, reduced wind speeds and the accumulation of pollutants in the atmosphere can contribute to deteriorating air quality. The situation could worsen further around Diwali due to firecrackers and other local sources of pollution.In a significant enforcement move, the regional office of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board in Sonipat has initiated action against 23 industrial units, commercial establishments and other project sites.Sonipat Regional Officer Ajay Malik said closure directions had been issued against the establishments for allegedly violating CAQM Direction No. 11. Accordingly, a letter dated November 2 was sent to the Superintending Engineer of the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN), requesting the immediate disconnection of electricity supply to all the listed establishments.According to the board’s official communication, closure directions were issued on October 29, with order numbers ranging from 7867 to 8004. The electricity utility has also been asked to submit a compliance report after carrying out the disconnections.Several industrial units in the Kundli industrial belt have been named in the list. These include Krishyam Foods LLP, Shree Jee Enterprises, Starlite Industries Pvt Ltd, Avni Motors India Pvt Ltd and N H Logistics LLP, among others.The list also covers properties in Arora Industrial Park, TDI City, HSIIDC Rai and other parts of the Kundli industrial area.Santom Hospital Pvt Ltd, several plots in Parsvnath City, One Prastha Reality LLP in Sector 91 of Devru village and a residential property in Eldeco County have also been included. The premises of Gohana Jat Mahasabha in Sector 7, Gohana, are among the establishments facing the proposed power disconnection.A copy of the communication has also been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner, Sonipat, for information.In a separate enforcement operation, pollution control authorities detected the illegal burning of plastic, PVC wires and electrical cables in Mandothi village in Jhajjar district at around 1 am on November 4.Jhajjar Regional Officer Sunil Sheoran said the pollution control board had received information about the illegal burning activity. Following this, Ajay Boora, Assistant Environmental Engineer (AEE) at the board’s Bahadurgarh office, reached the location in coordination with police and fire department officials.The joint team subsequently extinguished the fire and initiated action at the site.Five persons have been identified in connection with the incident. They are Mohd. Azam, Sanu alias Sonu, Shehzad Hasan, Shahrukh and Himanshu.During the operation, officials identified three vehicles allegedly linked to the activity. Their registration numbers are DL1LAR5886, DL1LAR9065 and DL1LAT8822.The enforcement team seized 101 bags of material, comprising 93 bags of wires and eight bags containing burnt residue. The total estimated value of the seized material is approximately Rs 2 lakh.An FIR (No. 331) was registered at Asauda police station on November 4 under Sections 223(b) and 280 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
