Pollution board raids 17 tyre pyrolysis units in Punjab, issues notices to 11 for environmental violations

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) carried out a statewide inspection of Tyre Pyrolysis Oil Units (TPOU) and initiated action against 11 units for not complying with environmental norms.

The crackdown was carried out following complaints by farmers and residents against the pollution caused by these units.

As many as 17 teams, comprising officers of the rank of Environmental Engineer, were deployed to conduct a synchronised inspection of 17 operational TPO units located in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda and other districts of the state. The inspections were aimed at assessing compliance with environmental safeguards, safety protocols, and pollution control measures mandated by law.

Tyre pyrolysis involves processing waste tyres in oxygen-free conditions to produce TPO and carbon black as a by-product.

If not operated as per prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the state government, these units can cause serious environmental hazards—such as black smoke emissions, unsafe handling of pyro gas, and improper disposal of char and effluents.

The inspections revealed that 11 out of the 17 units were not in compliance with the prescribed norms. Common violations included lack of adequate air pollution control devices, unsafe handling of pyro gas, improper disposal of char residue and deficiencies in effluent management.

Taking a strict view of these violations, the PPCB has issued official notices to all 11 non-compliant units.

Speaking on the development, a PPCB spokesperson said, “The Board is committed to protecting Punjab’s environment and public health. We are determined to ensure that industries adopt clean and safe technologies. Non-compliance with environmental safeguards will not be tolerated, and strict action will continue against violators.”

“The PPCB reiterates its resolve to ensure that industrial growth in the state goes hand-in-hand with sustainable development and ecological safety”, the spokesperson added.