NGO writes to PM, PPCB chief

Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, November 21

As the authorities concerned have failed to check pollution caused by a number of factories at Gaunspur village, residents are forced to suffer.

Now, members of the Naroa Punjab Manch, an NGO, have written a complaint to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of Monitoring Committee of National Green Tribunal, the Punjab Chief Minister and the Punjab Pollution Control Board Chairman against the ‘toxic ash’, emanating from chimneys of factories and falling in a large quantity in the village. They requested them to take action in this regard so that village residents can breathe in a clean environment.

Gurpreet Singh Chandbaja, convener of the manch, said: “The toxic ash in a large quantity is falling day and night in the village. It is emanating from nearby factories. Residents informed us that it was a strange smelling ash which seems to be the result of some poor quality fuel being burnt in the industries of the village,” he said.

“It is suspected that the industries are using some illegal and cheap fuel in large quantities and causing misery to the population of the entire village. This polluted air at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic is dangerous for the health and well-being of inhabitants of the village. We request the authorities concerned to take cognisance of the matter and take action as per law,” he said.

The residents said the factories, which were causing pollution, should be inspected and strict action should be taken against owners of the erring factories.

A resident said: “A number of residents face breathing problems due to pollution being caused by these factories. We are forced to stay inside our houses. When we hang washed clothes for drying on the roof, these turn black due to the falling ash.”