Following complaints of residents against non-compliance of standard regarding the height of chimneys of diesel generator sets used as power backup, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has issued notices against two housing societies in Greater Noida West.
The notices have been issued by regional office (Greater Noida) of UPPCB to housing societies – Supertech Eco-Village 1 and Valencia Homes.
In the notices issued to Eco-Village 1, it has mentioned that the society has a DG set with capacity of 1010 kva as power backup but chimney has not been connected with it. Also, chimneys connected with other DG sets have been found below the prescribed height as per the rules of UPPCB and it is directly affecting people's lives.
“You are directed to get the chimneys of DG sets installed at the prescribed height as per the rules and inform about the same. Failing which, action will be taken under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981,” notice issued to Eco-Village 1 read.
In a separate notice issued to Valencia Homes, it was said that the residential project has nine towers with 870 flats. Currently, possessions of flats are being given. Two DG sets of 500 kva capacity are being installed in the society to take care of the power cuts.
“People are presently getting agitated due to non-compliance of rules for installation of chimneys of the DG sets. It is presently not at the desired height and causing inconvenience to the people living in the society. Show cause notice has been issued in this regard,” it read.
Further, it has also mentioned that during the inspection, it was found that the installation of chimney, as per the required height, was in progress. The representative at the site informed that the work will be completed within a week.
Notice further read, “If the work does not get completed within the stipulated time then action will be taken against the project for closure of DG sets operations.”
As per the norms, the length of a chimney should be minimum 6 meters above from its nearest tower or the building.
The development has come on the basis of complaints filed by two active residents of the area – Manish Kumar and Abhishek Yadav. However, its not the first time when residents of the city have complaints regarding this issue and they have sought immediate intervention from the respective authorities.
