Locals complain PPCB of water contamination

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, January 18

Annoyed over the supply of contaminated water from 20-foot-deep hand pumps, residents of Hardev Nagar and Kheta Singh Basti have lodged a complaint with the Chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), seeking action against owners of soap factories in the city for disposing waste in drain.

In a complaint lodged by Parlad Bansal on behalf of residents of these areas, he has stated that various soap factories located at Sivian road, Industrial Growth Centre, Mansa road and Gurusar Sainiwala village are disposing waste either in pond constructed by them or the drain located in Industrial Growth Centre area.

He further alleged that the poisonous waste from soap factories was resulting in contamination of groundwater in the areas. He said they had complained to the PPCB chairman earlier too, but no action was taken.

“One resident had visited office of the PPCB chairman and submitted a water sampleple. The official had assured strict action but nothing has happened as yet,” he said.

Residents said if no action was taken within a week, they would file a petition in the court. Pralad Bansal said: “We are living under a constant threat of contracting diseases as water coming out of hand pumps in residential areas is contaminated. Often, its colour is yellow and emanates a foul smell. The water is used for drinking, cooking and other purposes. With the authorities not taking action against factory owners, we are left with no option but to drink the contaminated and stinking water.”

Bansal showed bottles of water that residents were getting out of hand pumps, in which pollutants could be seen with naked eyes. Bansal said it seemed that officials were working under political pressure.