Several factory owners and wholesale traders in Mayapuri found themselves in a fix on Sunday, with their names appearing on a list of 812 units to be sealed following the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) orders, circulating on local WhatsApp groups.
The DPCC was following an NGT direction to shut down polluting scrap units in the area. However, several properties that are not engaged in scrap work have been identified on this list.
‘Survey in a day’
Monty Singh, legal counsel for the shop owners in the area, said that the list is based on a survey by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate conducted within a day according to an earlier notice issued by the official. “How could they possibly carry out such a large survey in a single day?” he said.
Jaiprakash Kumar, a dye factory owner found his property on the list. “This is after all an industrial area, this is the type of work that goes on here. They have photocopied and pasted the same notice everywhere without any clear addresses or shop number.” he said. Mr. Kumar is in possession of consent forms from the DPCC, has paid challans for the common effluent treatment and even has factory licences issued by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC).
“But whom do we talk to? None of the officials are available today and they have given so little time,” he said. A public notice issued on April 13 by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of the area has given 48 hours after which properties in the area will be sealed.
Arpit Bhatia, who supplies home appliances such as coolers and geysers, was busy loading up tempos with goods on Sunday. “I am selling goods at discounted prices wherever I am able to and finding alternative storage for the rest,” he said. He too has various trade licenses and has paid common effluent treatment charges. He also appeared before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate earlier with regard to goods lying outside his store, but the matter had been resolved.