Pharma unit falters on pollution norms

Our Correspondent
Zirakpur, November 15

Threat of closure looms large over a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit near Nagla village, Zirakpur, as the Senior Environmental Engineer, PPCB, has issued directions to the PSPCL to disconnect its power connection.

The PPCB passed the order after taking into account the report of an inspection team, which found that the pharma unit was not complying with the prescribed standards of an effluent treatment plant (ETP).

Sources said a PPCB team had found the treatment plant non-operational at the unit.

Krunesh Garg, Member Secretary, PPCB, said despite a number of personal hearings, the unit was found violating norms under the Prevention and Control of Pollution Act. He added that though the manufacturing unit had installed the ETP, it was partially operational.

The unit also failed to comply with provisions of the Water and Air (Prevention and Control Pollution) Act. Krunesh Garg, Member Secretary, PPCB, said if the pharma unit carried out the maintenance of its ETP, it could resume operations after obtaining permission from the PPCB.