The Haryana government has allowed to reopen the formaldehyde units which was closed due to objection raised by Pollution Board, but there is a condition that they have to take NOC within 6 months and apply immediately for the same. The industry players need to submit it to the Environment Department and HSPCB within 60 days. This decision of the government has created a wave of happiness in the wood panel industry.
The state has issued an order stating that as per the government directive under Environment Impact Assessment Notification 2006, Government of India up to 15 units can be run without obtaining any primary environmental clearance. It was was misunderstood by pollution board so Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has decided to withdraw the order for environmental clearance issued earlier.
The government's move cast a positive impact on the entire wood panel industry, due to which the prices of formaldehyde have come down by about 30% in a day. Haryana Plywood Manufacturers’ Association, Vice President, Mr Satish Chopal thanked the State Government and Minister Kanwar Pal for this decision, and said that this decision brought tremendous relief to the plywood industry of Yamunanagar.
It is to be noted that after the order issued by HSPCB for NOC for environmental clearance, these units had appealed to the government stating that the sudden closure of such units has created great difficulty for the entire industry. They had sought permission from the Environment Department for at least six months of deferment and factories to complete the necessary process for approval. After considering their demand State Govt. with concerned department, without taking any legal action, on 11 November 2020 ordered these units to run for 6 months with the condition to take NOC at the earliest and asked the concerned units to apply immediately for environmental clearance submit the proof to the concerned department and HSPCB within 60 days from the date of order issued.