Ludhiana: Ash from factories causes health problems say Dhandari Khurd residents

Tribune News Service

Harshraj Singh

Ludhiana, April 12

Residents of Dhandari Khurd are being forced to suffer health issues due to air pollution. They complained that a huge amount of ash emanating from chimneys of nearby dyeing units fall in their houses in routine.

Accusing the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) of turning a blind eye on the issue of air pollution, the residents complained that they generally face breathing problems and irritation in the eyes due to the industrial ash. Such ash could be commonly seen on floors and rooftops in the area.

Harjit Singh of Dhandari Khurd said: “I had earlier sent a complaint to the PPCB authorities regarding industrial ash falling in our area. A copy of the complaint was also sent to the Chief Minister’s office. But, no action has been taken till date on my complaint. Even none of the PPCB officials contacted me. There are a few dyeing units in the area that are causing massive air pollution.”

“Harmful ash emanating from chimneys of such dyeing units falls on houses located in the Dhandari Khurd area. We remove collected ash from the rooftop and floor daily. I had raised the matter before the factories concerned also but to no avail. It is hard to live under such bad conditions. The people are facing problems related to breathing and eyes due to air pollution but the authorities concerned are yet to take any step to provide us relief. We want that the PPCB must take strict action to control air pollution without any further delay,” he said.

Another resident Sucha Dhandari said: “The state government should take action against factories responsible for causing air pollution in our area. The issue of air pollution is being ignored for a long period. If we keep a white cloth outside at night, it would turn black till morning due to the ash emanating from factories. The government should make sure that all factories must follow the guidelines for protection of the environment.”

A senior official of the PPCB, Ludhiana, Gulshan Rai, said: “I have no information regarding any such complaint. We will look into the matter and verify it.” Notably, announcements were earlier made that Ludhiana district got a grant of Rs 26 crore for air quality improvement from the Central government but residents complained they have not got any relief from pollution. They said equipment should be installed in affected areas to keep a check on pollution levels.

No action taken on complaint

Harjit Singh of Dhandari Khurd said: “I had earlier sent a complaint to the PPCB authorities regarding industrial ash falling in our area. A copy of the complaint was also sent to the Chief Minister’s office. But, no action has been taken till date on my complaint. Even none of the PPCB officials contacted me. There are a few dyeing units in the area that are causing massive air pollution.”

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