Modern industrial park site not suitable, says MLA Pargat Singh

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 22

Sharing his concern over the location of the proposed modern industrial park to be set up near Sutlej River and Mattewara Forest, Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantt Pargat Singh today visited the site for the project. The MLA said he would take up the matter with the departments concerned and the government.

Environmental activists and villagers have been opposing the location of the proposed modern industrial park to be set up by the Punjab Government for the past several months.

The MLA said the eco-sensitive zone did not seem suitable for such an industrial project. “The forest cover is already low in Ludhiana. Forests are lungs of any city and should not be harmed. The project may also displace villagers,” the MLA stated. “The Sutlej river bank is adjacent to the proposed industrial park site. Moreover, the forest area is near the site. We know what happed to Buddha Nullah due to industry. If industrial waste is directly released in Sutlej, it will create serious issues. I fail to understand how the ecological balance can be maintained if an industrial park is set up at the eco-sensitive site,” the MLA said. “I will hold talks with experts and departments concerned regarding the proposed industrial park. Either they have to convince us or we have to convenience them. If the project is not suitable, it should not be set up here,” the MLA added. “Earlier, 500-acre cycle valley was announced, but I have seen only one factory come up there. The land in this valley can be used to set up industry,” the MLA said. 

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.