PAY OR CLOSE

In an order passed on April 9, the Supreme Court of India gave an ultimatum to all 28 industrial areas in the National Capital Territory of Delhi to either chip in their share of the fund for setting up 28 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP), or face immediate closure of their units. The industries have to con- tribute 20 per cent of the cost of establishing the CETPs to bring the total amount to Rs 40 crore. The judges also passed an order prohibiting concerned authorities from constructing new industrial areas and granting licences to new industries.