Rs 50-cr fine for env damage an example for others: Experts

Neha Saini

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 15

The National Green Tribunal’s move regarding imposing a fine of Rs 50 crore on the Punjab government for causing river pollution, citing the recent example of the Beas industrial sill case that resulted in killing of fish and pollution at massive levels, has been met with a thoughtful nod by the environment experts and activists in the city. The fine that is to be collected from the industries responsible for the pollution within two weeks will act as a deterrent for any future violation, think many.

“Something had to be done, especially, when the industrial pollution mostly goes unchecked. The perpetrators of environmental crimes have to be held responsible. Tragically, the regulations are there, the associated bodies that are responsible for checking violations are also there, but no implementation or lack of intention has, till date, caused irreparable damage to natural resources,” said Prof Adarsh Pal Vig, Environmental Sciences and Botany, GNDU. He added that besides the punitive action, collective responsibility for environment should be made a priority. “Since nature and its resoursces are for all to use, it should be our collective responsibility to preserve it as well. The industries should set up mandatory treatment plants and waste management techniques and authorities should ensure that no violation in this regard happen to avoid any more such disasters like the Beas spill.”

While the Beas molasses spill in May this year exposed the massive level of untreated waste that is being drained into the rivers by industrial units, Gunbir Singh, chairman, WWF-India, Punjab chapter, and president of Dilbir Foundation, said that such punishments should be made an example for others. “Rivers of Punjab define our legacy. We have no right to call ourselves Punj-abis if we cannot keep our remnant three rivers clean. The pollution is industrial, farm chemical runoffs and untreated sewage by civic authorities. All these need to be addressed forthwith. Fines are a deterrent to the polluters, but the clean-up needs a holistic will and execution at the topmost levels of the state.”