Act against units causing air pollution: MLA to PPCB

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 21

After the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) observed that 28 industries were emitting black smoke on Tajpur Road here during a checking, Ludhiana East MLA Sanjay Talwar has asked the PPCB to make sure that all dyeing and washing units must follow the guidelines to control air pollution. The MLA demanded that strict action be taken against erring units.

Residents bear the brunt

Residents from various areas under the Ludhiana East constituency have been complaining about ash that emanates from factories and falling on their houses. Notably, a huge amount of ash is also being dumped on roadsides or on vacant land in residential areas.

Residents from various areas under the Ludhiana East constituency have been complaining about ash that emanates from factories and falling on their houses. Notably, a huge amount of ash is also being dumped on roadsides or on vacant land in residential areas.

The MLA conducted a meeting with PPCB and Municipal Corporation officials and representatives of dyeing units on Monday. MC’s Zonal Commissioner Swati Tiwana, PPCB Senior Environmental Engineer Sandeep Bahl and other officials were among those present.

PPCB officials said the industrial units had been asked to update their system and ensure proper functioning of air pollution control devices, otherwise action would be initiated against them. The units had also been warned that if anyone was found using illegal fuel, action would be taken.

Talwar said a large number of dyeing and washing units were not managing the ash in a right manner. “Many dyeing units dump ash on vacant plots on Tajpur Road. The people are suffering a lot due to pollution caused by the industrial units. But, the PPCB shows non-seriousness over the issue. It has been asked to act against the erring units. If people don’t get any relief from pollution, the residents of my constituency will hold an agitation against the PPCB,” Talwar said.

He said the MC would give a two-acre land to the industrial units near the MC’s main garbage dump for dumping ash so that the collected ash could be used for making tiles.

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