📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Giles Laurent
National
Centre to scrap fixed-distance norms for Haryana polluting units, NGT says
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 19 Oct 2026, 06:46 AM
👁 15
The Union government has proposed removing the fixed‑distance requirement for polluting industrial units in Haryana, a move currently under scrutiny by the National Green Tribunal.
New Delhi announced that the existing rule mandating a fixed separation distance between polluting industrial units in Haryana will be withdrawn. The decision, aimed at providing flexibility to industries while maintaining environmental safeguards, has been referred to the National Green Tribunal for compliance verification. Officials said the revision will allow state authorities to assess site‑specific conditions rather than applying a uniform distance across the board.
The NGT, which monitors adherence to environmental standards, has opened a review of the proposal to ensure that the change does not compromise air and water quality. Environmental groups have urged the tribunal to scrutinise the impact on nearby residential areas and agricultural lands.
If approved, the policy shift could affect dozens of manufacturing clusters in Haryana, prompting them to seek revised clearances from the state pollution control board. The central government has indicated that the new framework will be communicated to state agencies within weeks.
Stakeholders, including industry representatives and local NGOs, are expected to present their views at an upcoming NGT hearing scheduled later this month.
The NGT, which monitors adherence to environmental standards, has opened a review of the proposal to ensure that the change does not compromise air and water quality. Environmental groups have urged the tribunal to scrutinise the impact on nearby residential areas and agricultural lands.
If approved, the policy shift could affect dozens of manufacturing clusters in Haryana, prompting them to seek revised clearances from the state pollution control board. The central government has indicated that the new framework will be communicated to state agencies within weeks.
Stakeholders, including industry representatives and local NGOs, are expected to present their views at an upcoming NGT hearing scheduled later this month.