Distillery has damaged crops, allege farmers

Gurdeep Singh Mann

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, March 3

BCL Industries and Infrastructure Limited is all set to double its distillation capacity at its plant at Mashana village despite concerns of farmers over pollution caused by the unit.

A public hearing for environmental clearance for the expansion of the distillery will be held in the village by Additional Deputy Commissioner on March 20.

Former sarpanch of Mashana village Tashwinder Singh alleged pollution created by the distillery had been damaging produce in kinnow, chilly and vegetable farms in the surrounding areas.

He alleged kinnows grown in his 35-acre farm had turned black due to fly ash emitted by the distillery. He claimed the distillery officials gaven a compensation of Rs 60,000 after he raised a hue and cry over the matter.

“There are many farmers who have lost their vegetable, chilly and other crops,” he said. He alleged the distillery continued to create air and water pollution.

Denying the allegations, distillery owner Rajinder Mittal said: “Our distillery is the first in the country to adopt pollution-control measures. The crops might be getting affected due to emission of fly ash from brick kilns in the area.”

Claim, counterclaim

Pollution created by the distillery has been damaging produce in kinnow, chilly and vegetable farms in the surrounding areas. —Tashwinder Singh, Former Sarpanch

Our distillery is the first in the country to adopt pollution-control measures. The crops might be getting affected due to emission of fly ash from brick kilns. —Rajinder Mittal, distillery owner