The decision to continue Karnal’s inclusion in the National Capital Region (NCR) has sparked disappointment among a large section of society, including industrialists, brick kiln operators, and vehicle owners, who wanted it to be excluded from the NCR due to restrictions imposed in the region to curb pollution and protect the environment.
Karnal was included in the NCR in 2015.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB), under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, in New Delhi on Tuesday. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, among others, were present.
Residents said despite being part of the NCR, Karnal had not got any major developmental projects or special benefits.
Industrialists said they have only been facing restrictions imposed by the NGT and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), due to which it was hard to operate their units. “We did not get any major relief for industries after the inclusion in NCR. We only face restrictions in the smooth running of industries. Our expectations of improved infrastructure and investment opportunities have remained unfulfilled,” said an industrialist.
Brick kiln operators said stringent environmental norms and periodic restrictions on kiln operations have affected their business. One of them said in non-NCR districts, kilns are operated from November to June-July, while in NCR districts, these are operated from March to June 30. “We have a limited period to operate our industry,” he said, adding that operators in non-NCR districts sell bricks in NCR districts at low rates as their cost of operation is low.
Residents also highlighted restrictions on older vehicles under NCR regulations, where diesel vehicles are restricted after 10 years of registration and petrol vehicles after 15 years. Sonal, a local resident, said they are forced to either sell their vehicles despite being in good condition, or get them registered in non-NCR districts. “The exclusion from NCR will increase the life of the vehicles by five years,” he said.
Residents said the district has not received any major infrastructure development, except the announcement of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).
However, the decision was welcomed by realtors. Property dealers and real estate consultants believe that retaining NCR status will boost investors’ confidence.
Sunil Arora, a real estate consultant, said NCR branding has contributed significantly to property demand and land values in recent years. “The NCR tag enhances Karnal’s visibility among investors and homebuyers,” he added.