Industrial units under PPCB scanner for causing pollution

Satinder Pal Singh

Lalru, January 1

Acting under the Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Chairman Kahan Singh Pannu had directed the units, including Nahar Group of Industries, in Lalru to strictly adhere to the environmental norms and take immediate steps to check the rising pollution levels within the industrial belts. Tough action will be taken against the industrial units not adhering to the norms of the Act.

The move came in following complaints by residents about soot and fly ash, which gets deposited on surface of their houses, being emitted from these industrial belts.

A meeting of representatives of all industries with the Punjab State Pollution Board Chairman and other officials was held recently to discuss various issues pertaining to the industrial pollution. Industries were asked to ensure that they have effluent treatment plants and air filters are functioning properly.

Pannu had also advised other officials to adopt a proactive approach to reduce the environment pollution and guide industries in adopting such resource conservation measures.

The PPCB staff also called for an urgent need to regulate and monitor these industrial units and strictly adhere to the environmental norms and take quick action against severely polluting units in the area. The staff has also been asked to send a compliance report in 10 days.

According to PPCB officials, the industrial units have been given time to rectify any shortcomings in their units. A strict action against the defaulting units will be taken.

It is pertinent to mention that some units were responsible for the release of unabated air, water and noise pollution every day.

Kahan Singh Pannu, PPCB Chairman, said, “We will take strict action against the units which do not comply with the PPCB directions.’’