Industrialists in Panipat, Haryana, have threatened a one-day symbolic strike and a protest at a toll plaza on National Highway 44. They want authorities to address their concerns over pollution checks and industrial closure notices by Dussehra.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Panipat Dyers’ Association. Representatives from several industrial associations attended the meeting and raised concerns about the impact of pollution regulations on businesses.

Industrialists Raise Concerns Over Pollution Rules

Panipat Dyers’ Association president Nitin Arora said strict pollution norms and technical issues with online monitoring systems were creating difficulties for industrial units. He also raised concerns about inspections by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, the Central Pollution Control Board and third-party agencies.

According to industry representatives, reopening a unit after a closure notice has become a lengthy process. Haryana Environment Management Society state president Bhim Rana said more than 600 industrial units had received closure notices over technical faults in online monitoring.

Rana also said some vendors had failed to meet the October 1 deadline for installing bag filters, despite receiving advance payments from industrialists.

Rising Costs Add to Industry Pressure

Industrialists have also highlighted differences in piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) prices. Rana said prices ranged from ₹46 to ₹71 per kg, adding to concerns about operating costs.

Panipat Exporters’ Association secretary Vibhu Paliwal called for a five-year industrial policy and sought the exclusion of Panipat from the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Alternatively, he proposed setting up a textile park outside the NCR to support the sector.

Businesses Consider Shifting to Uttar Pradesh

Industry representatives said entrepreneurs were exploring other locations due to regulatory and cost pressures. Paliwal stated that Uttar Pradesh officials had invited Panipat industrialists to establish units in the state.

According to him, entrepreneurs had held three meetings with Uttar Pradesh officials and were considering Shamli and Kairana as possible locations.

Industrial associations have warned that continued difficulties could lead to unit closures and relocation. The situation highlights growing concerns among Panipat’s textile and manufacturing businesses over pollution compliance, operating costs and long-term industrial policy.