HARIPUR, Sept 15: The Electrostatic Precipitator System (EPS) commonly known as dust collection system in two cement-manufacturing units of Hattar has become a constant source of pollution in the area, experts told Dawn here on Thursday.

The residents of different villages situated close to two cement factories said that the dust collection system at a cement plant which was established a few years back, had been out of order since its setting up, because of which the hazardous dust was being emitted in a big quantity in the air.

They said that when the unit was set up, an obsolete Electrostatic Precipitator System was installed, which was not functioning as per standard.

They said that as the factory had no alternative arrangements to control dust emission, the hazardous dust was released in the air in tons, which was populating the nearby areas.

Likewise, the dust collection system of another cement manufacturing unit had also gone out of order for the last seven days, adding to the miseries of area people. This unit although, according to factory management, had most modern dust collection system of Bag Filtering, but it had been dysfunctional for the last seven days due to which the unit was also releasing a large quantity of powdered cement in open air.

The people have demanded of the Environment Protection Agency to check such emission.