PPCB swings into action

Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 10

In order to create awareness for prevention and control of pollution in the state, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has constituted 100 teams headed by environmental engineers of different ranks to make owners of units aware, besides warning them against spreading air, water and noise pollution. 

These teams visited various units during the last two days to create awareness amongst factory owners to take measures to prevent air, water and noise pollution. 

During their visits, teams found that although the Government of Punjab had banned manufacture, distribution and use of polythene carry bags, but many units and wholesalers were still manufacturing and distributing these bags. Around 5.5 tonnes of polythene carry bags were confiscated by inspection teams. Owners were also asked not to manufacture and distribute polythene bags.

Pollution board teams also organised awareness camps at various places in the state with the help of traffic police to make bus/truck drivers aware regarding ill- effects of pressure horns. More than 100 pressure horns were voluntarily surrendered by drivers of heavy vehicles. 

Meanwhile, the PPCB authorities have decided to intensify the campaign of removing pressure horns in days to come.

Camps were also organised at various places to ensure that industries comply with pollution control norms. Teams also visited various hospitals to make doctors aware about proper management and handling of biomedical waste.

The PPCB chairman, KS Pannu, exhorted environmental engineers to keep in mind that while performing their assigned task of prevention and control of pollution they were not here to stop development related to industries, agriculture and humans. He said, “Engineers should act as facilitators of holistic development.” 

He added that environmental engineers were instructed to take strong action against habitual polluters.