Adopt zero-discharge tech, drug unit told

Our Correspondent 

Dera Bassi, June 16

A major step has been taken to make the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) drive to make drugs manufacturing units in Dera Bassi pollution-free a success. The PPCB has directed Nectar Lifesciences Limited Unit-II at Saidpura village in Dera Bassi to adopt the zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technology within 15 months.

Sources said though Nectar Lifesciences Limited, a pharmaceutical unit, had already installed their effluent treatment plant, was operating it regularly and meeting the prescribed standards laid down by the PPCB, the board received complaints that the unit was discharging its treated effluent on to land for plantation. Due to such practices, the area remains prone to antibiotic pollution.

Taking cognizance of the matter, PPCB chairman Kahan Singh Pannu along with other officials here on Saturday also visited the pharmaceutical unit in Dera Bassi to check the disposal of the unit boiler ash and effluent treatment plant. Pannu also laid the foundation stone of the zero liquid discharge unit within the premises of the unit.