Panipat Industrialists Threaten Strike Over Pollution Checks and Unit Closure Notices

Industry representatives have raised concerns over online monitoring faults, compliance deadlines, fuel prices and proposed relocation of textile units.

Industrialists in Panipat, Haryana, have threatened a one-day symbolic strike and a protest at a toll plaza on National Highway 44 if their concerns over pollution checks are not addressed by Dasehra. They have also warned of shutting down units or shifting operations to Delhi or Uttar Pradesh if the situation continues. The decision was taken at a Friday meeting of the Panipat Dyers’ Association attended by members of several industrial associations.

Industrialists Raise Concerns Over Pollution Compliance

Panipat Dyers’ Association president Nitin Arora alleged that stringent pollution norms and closure notices issued over minor technical faults in online monitoring systems were making it difficult for industrial units to operate.

According to Arora, industries were facing inspections by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and third-party agencies. He added that restarting a unit after a closure order had become a complicated process.

Bhim Rana, state president of the Haryana Environment Management Society, said industrialists had made advance payments to CPCB-approved vendors for installing bag filters. However, several vendors had reportedly failed to meet the October 1 deadline.

Rana also said closure notices had been issued to more than 600 industrial units over technical faults in online monitoring systems.

PNG and CNG Prices Also a Concern

Rana raised concerns over differences in piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) prices, which he said ranged from ₹46 to ₹71 per kg.

Industry representatives have called for measures to address these concerns alongside pollution compliance requirements and the difficulties associated with restarting closed units.

Industry Seeks Five-Year Policy and NCR Exclusion

Vibhu Paliwal, secretary of the Panipat Exporters’ Association, said industrialists were seeking a five-year policy for the sector and wanted Panipat to be excluded from the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

As an alternative, he proposed establishing a textile park outside the NCR. He said entrepreneurs would face an additional freight cost of 3% under such an arrangement.

Paliwal also said officials in Uttar Pradesh had invited industrialists to establish units in the state. According to him, entrepreneurs had held three meetings with Uttar Pradesh officials and were considering relocating operations to Shamli and Kairana.

Virbhan Singla, president of the Old Industrial Area Manufacturers’ Association, also raised concerns over industrial closures.

Protest Warning as Industry Awaits Action

The proposed symbolic strike and toll plaza protest reflect growing concerns among Panipat industrialists over pollution compliance, monitoring-related technical issues and the operational impact of closure notices.

Industry representatives have warned that continued difficulties could lead some businesses to shut their units or consider relocating to neighbouring states.