Ludhiana, a city where environment is not priority

On World Environment Day that falls today on June 5, we look at how the industrial city of Ludhiana is grappling with the problem of air and water pollution. Emissions from industry and vehicles are largely responsible for poor Air Quality Index (AQI). However, on happy note, there is a perceptible increase in the awareness about the need to combat both air and water pollution.

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 4

The Industrial revolution has certainly brought positive changes in the economic lives of humans. The benefits of industrial growth are felt by all, but it has shown its adverse effects. Till the time, the industries were small with limited time and size, the pollution was not noticed, but with change in times and growth in industry, the harmful effects of pollution became evident.

Be it small or big industry, the environment is continuously being degraded by these in the industrial hub of Ludhiana and surrounding areas. The furnaces, dyeing units, electroplating units, foundries, brick-kilns or iron moulding units, all are contributing immensely in polluting the environment.

The pollution levels have gone to such an alarming level that the air quality, water quality is worst affected. Due to air pollution, most of the times, the air quality remains poor.

Many factors have contributed to this pollution. Sher Singh, having a small electroplating unit near Janta Nagar said most of the industrial units in city were “unplanned” or are being run from houses .

“We merely earn our livelihood. One cannot expect us to will follow rules and proper standards to curb pollution. Many industries here do not follow pollution norms and neither are the authorities concerned are bothered”, he said.

At the same time, one of the brick-kiln owners, wishing not to be quoted said a new technology was brought into by the government to curb air pollution. “The kiln owners started bringing the technology by spending a huge amount of money, but due to political interference, even those running with older technology (which generated more smoke) were also allowed to run. The policy makers are more concerned about their vote-bank than the health of human beings then why should we be blamed”, rued the brick-kiln owner.

The haphazard construction in city has caused the soil and air pollution. Sanjay Goel, one of the leading architects in city said that unplanned growth of city had polluted the environment even for future generations. “Look at the temperatures, touching 45-46 degrees Celsius in this part of region. This is because of rising levels of pollution only”, said Goel.

Industrial pollution continues to cause significant damage to the Earth and its inhabitants. It disrupts natural habitats and rhythms, affecting wildlife and ecosystems. Industrial pollution is wreaking havoc on the planet, said Badish Jindal, president FOPSIA.