Villagers raise concern over proposed paper mill, Seechewal assures support

A delegation from Chamkaur Sahib Morcha met Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal on Saturday on the banks of the Buddha Dariya to discuss the issue of a paper mill that is proposed to be set up between Dholran and Bassi Gujaran villages, near the Buddha Dariya and Neelon Canal.

Expressing concern over the site’s proximity to the Buddha Nullah and Neelon Canal, they said the factory would pollute the clean water in the canal and derail the ongoing efforts to clean the dariya. Seechewal immediately contacted GS Majithia, member secretary, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), instructing him to not issue a no objection certificate (NOC) for the project. He said when the locals were opposing the project, it was questionable to have given a green light to such a venture. He reaffirmed his commitment to standing with the people and said if the project was approved, he would join the public and oppose it alongside them.