PPCB orders closure of meat processing unit at Lalru

Satinder Pal Singh

Dera Bassi, May 14

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Patiala, has ordered the closure of Suguna Foods Private Limited, a meat processing unit, at Jaura Kalan near Lalru for alleged violations of the Air and Water Pollution Control Acts.

A team led by officials of the PPCB, Patiala, conducted an inspection of the meat processing unit in September last year and found that the effluent generated from the rendering plant was being bypassed into Basoli drain. Foul smell was observed near the effluent treatment plant (ETP), which was also not functional. The unit was not complying with the provisions of Sections 25 and 26 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Sections 21 and 22 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

However, the AGM of the unit, during a hearing on October 22, 2019, had submitted that the unit was maintaining good housekeeping near the ETP area. It had already installed an online monitoring system connected with the PPCB portal.

He further submitted that the blower of the aeration tank was partially working during the visit by the PPCB officials which resulted in the foul smell and the same had been rectified. The AGM assured to control the water wastage point and work on water conversation measures.

However, a complaint was again received from the residents of the village wherein it was alleged that the unit was generating foul smell in the area.

The unit was again found to be generating foul smell. Wild growth was also noticed in the plantation area during the visit by the officials.

Krunesh Garg, Member Secretary, PPCB, Patiala, said the activities being carried out by the unit were causing pollution that led to the environmental damage.

He said the unit failed to comply with the provisions of the Water and Air (Prevention and Control Pollution) Act within the stipulated time period, following which the orders had been passed for its closure and disconnection of its power.