Residents raise alarm over air & noise pollution, demand action

Residents of various localities at Sodal, under the banner of the Bharatiya Sarvahit Parishad, have raised serious concerns over the alarming levels of air and noise pollution, plaguing the city.

In a letter to the Chief Secretary and the Punjab Pollution Control Board, president of the parishad Rajan Sharda has highlighted gross violations of environment laws, particularly in the industrial area, while accusing the authorities of turning a blind eye to the escalating crisis.

Sharda has detailed how several industrial units are openly engaging in the illegal and hazardous practice of burning electric motors to extract copper. This activity has resulted in the uncontrolled release of toxic fumes, heavy metals and carcinogenic particles into the atmosphere. The pollution levels have now reached a dangerous threshold, with thick smog blanketing industrial zones and making it difficult for residents to breathe. Vulnerable groups, including children, senior citizens and persons with respiratory conditions, are suffering the most, with many experiencing severe health complications due to prolonged exposure to polluted air.

The letter also raises the issue of unbearable noise pollution caused by unauthorised public gatherings. High-decibel loudspeakers continue blaring until the early hours of the morning, severely disrupting public peace and violating prescribed noise limits. The situation is further aggravated by the growing menace of illegally modified motorcycles fitted with excessively loud horns and attached trolleys roaming recklessly across the city. Auto-rickshaws with non-compliant exhaust systems also continue to operate without restriction, adding to the already deafening noise pollution, which has made daily life unbearable for residents.

Another major concern highlighted in the letter is the rampant violation of environmental norms in construction activities.

Residents have pointed out that builders and contractors are openly disregarding National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines by failing to implement basic dust control measures such as water sprinkling and proper waste disposal. As a result, unchecked dust pollution has transformed several areas into hazardous zones, worsening respiratory problems among the population and further deteriorating the city's air quality.

"Despite clear mandates from the NGT and other regulatory bodies, the authorities have failed to take any meaningful action against these environmental violations", they said, while demanding immediate and uncompromising action, including unannounced inspections in industrial zones to identify and shut down units involved in illegal motor burning.

They have called for strict penalties and criminal proceedings against those responsible for noise pollution, including organisers of unauthorised public gatherings and owners of illegally modified vehicles.

The letter also urges the government to enforce NGT guidelines in construction projects, ensuring proper dust mitigation strategies and waste management.