Panchkula mill behind chemical discharge in Dhakoli nullah

Mohali, August 6

In a prompt action against violators, the Mohali Administration today established the source of suspected chemical discharge which turned water of Singh Nullah, a seasonal rivulet, red in the Dhakoli area of Zirakpur.

A team headed by engineer Rantej Sharma, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), under the supervision of Executive Engineer, Environment, Lavneet Dubey, conducted a thorough probe into the incident in collaboration with a team from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HPCB) and samples were collected for detailed analysis.

Sharma said it was suspected that the colour of the water had turned red due to the chemical waste emanating from a factory in the neighbouring state of Haryana.

The inquiry established the fact that the main source of the suspected chemical was a paper mill in the Industrial Area, Phase 1, Panchkula.

“This is a clear case of violation of norms and stern action is being recommended. The case will be raised on different official levels as the matter relates to the other state,” said Girish Daylan, Deputy Commissioner, Mohali.

He said teams had been commissioned at the site since yesterday to find the source of the chemical and samples of the same had been sent to the lab for detailed analysis.

Now the onus is on the HSPCB as the source is located in their jurisdiction, Daylan said, adding that the PPCB team had also found the underground pipe which was being used to flush the suspected chemical into the rivulet. — TNS