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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Officials to crack down on Buddha Nullah dung dumpers
Ludhiana: In a decisive move to curb pollution in the Buddha Nullah, joint teams of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), police, and Municipal Corporation (MC) will take strict action against dairy owners found dumping cow dung into the water body starting August 1. The announcement came during a review meeting held at the Jamalpur Sewer Treatment Plant, which was chaired by Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal. The meeting was attended by Ludhiana East MLA Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, MC commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, and senior officials from Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), drainage, Punjab State Power Corportion Limited (PSPCL), Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), and Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (Glada). Representatives of the Tajpur Road Dairy Farmers Association also attended the meeting. MP Seechewal emphasised that while the administration was not targeting any specific group, dumping cow dung into the Buddha Dariya was unacceptable and a clear violation of environmental norms. He noted that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had also taken serious note of the issue and warned that violators would face legal action, including payment of environment compensation (EC). In addition to targeting dairy waste, PPCB officials were directed to take strict action against dyeing units discharging untreated effluents into MC sewer lines or directly into the drain. Authorities were instructed to remove encroachments along riverbanks, including those outside city limits. Both MP Seechewal and MLA Grewal urged people to support the initiative, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in protecting the environment. The crackdown marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to restore and preserve Ludhiana's water bodies and improve urban sanitation.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Road dust and vehicles major polluter, not industry: Pb orders new study for steel hub
1 2 Chandigarh: In a policy shift aimed at aligning air quality management with scientific evidence, the Punjab govt has decided to revise its 2019 action plan for clean air in Mandi Gobindgarh—Punjab's largest steel manufacturing hub—by commissioning a fresh source-apportionment study and carrying-capacity assessment through a reputed scientific institute. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by chief secretary KAP Sinha following a representation submitted by the All-India Steel Rerollers Association (AISRA). The association urged the govt to re-evaluate the action plan based on the findings of a 2023 source-apportionment study conducted by IIT-Delhi, which presented a revised, evidence-backed scenario that significantly altered the understanding of pollution sources in the city. AISRA pointed out that the original 2019 action plan was based on in-house projections by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), which estimated that industrial emissions contributed 50% to ambient air pollution, while vehicular emissions and road dust together accounted for 35%. These estimates led to stringent regulatory actions focused primarily on the industrial sector. However, the 2023 study by IIT-Delhi, conducted specifically for Mandi Gobindgarh, revealed a different pollution profile. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors Born 1939-1969 Receive 11 Benefits This Month If They Ask Super Saving Online Undo It found that vehicular emissions contributed 35%, industrial emissions 26%, and road dust a significant 37% to PM2.5 concentrations in the city. During the meeting, it was acknowledged that Mandi Gobindgarh—along with eight other cities: Dera Bassi, Nangal, Patiala, Khanna, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Pathankot, and Amritsar—was declared non-attainment cities by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), based on PM10 ambient air quality data from 2011–2015. In response, PPCB prepared 'clean air action plans' in 2019 for all nine cities. However, due to time constraints, detailed source apportionment and carrying capacity studies were not carried out. Instead, the 2019 plan for Mandi Gobindgarh relied on internal estimates that placed industrial pollution at 50% and vehicular emissions at 15%. The 2019 plan also mandated the conversion of coal-based industrial units to cleaner fuels like PNG/CNG. PPCB was directed to promote this shift, while the state govt was advised to reduce VAT on cleaner fuels to make the transition financially viable. The initial deadline for conversion, March 31, 2021, was later extended to Dec 31, 2023, due to practical challenges. Following this, PPCB commissioned IIT-Delhi to conduct both a 'particulate matter carrying capacity study' (submitted in Sept 2021) and a source-apportionment study (submitted in Sept 2023). During the July 2025 meeting, it was acknowledged that the 2023 IIT-Delhi study had certain limitations and did not fully capture changes that took place since 2019, including the installation of air pollution control devices by several industries and demographic shifts in the area. Given these facts, the govt concluded that a fresh, scientifically robust study—conducted by an independent and reputed institute—is essential to reflect the current pollution scenario and to guide future amendments to the action plan and state fuel policy. PPCB has been entrusted with initiating this process and submitting a revised strategy before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which is hearing a case concerning violations of air quality norms by coal-fired furnaces operating in Mandi Gobindgarh. PPCB issues 120 closure notices According to the latest status report filed by PPCB, of the 258 industrial units in Mandi Gobindgarh, 113 adopted PNG/LPG, 34 closed permanently, electricity supply was disconnected to 96 units, and pollution-causing machinery was sealed in 52. Additionally, three units switched to induction heating using electricity. The report also noted that PPCB issued 120 notices under Section 31-A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, directing industries to shift from coal to PNG, failing which their electricity supply would be disconnected. As of now, 24 of those units ceased operations, while the remaining 96 are still required to comply.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Punjab govt rolls out fresh strategy to combat stubble burning
1 2 Patiala: In a renewed push to curb stubble burning ahead of the upcoming harvest season, the Punjab govt has issued fresh directives to district administrations to develop targeted strategies by categorising villages based on past instances of farm fires. The move aims to enable district-specific interventions using a data-backed, technology-driven approach. According to official instructions issued by the special DGP (Law & Order), villages are to be mapped and classified into three risk categories: High-risk: More than 30 incidents, Moderate-risk: 10 to 30 incidents, and Low-risk: 1 to 10 incidents. This classification will guide tailored enforcement and outreach activities. All field-level tasks — including village identification, risk mapping, and strategy formulation — must be completed by August 1, 2025. The new protocol, shaped during a recent high-level meeting of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), mandates joint planning sessions involving deputy commissioners, chief agriculture officers, and other key stakeholders. Authorities have been instructed to maintain proper documentation of all meetings and action plans. Farmers found engaging in stubble burning will face tiered penalties: ₹5,000 for each incident on less than 2 acres, ₹10,000 per incident for 2 to 5 acres and ₹30,000 per incident for farmers having more than 5 acres. Enforcement will follow a strict timeline, including detection to field verification within 48 hours, penalty issuance within 7 working days, and fine recovery within 15 days. Repeat offenders or those who fail to pay fines may face legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police departments have been instructed to maintain a dedicated log of such FIRs. The revised SOP puts a strong emphasis on inter-departmental coordination and real-time tracking. The revenue department will be responsible for field verification, challan issuance, and fine collection; while the agriculture department is tasked with farmer outreach and promotion of sustainable practices. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) will monitor, report, and validate incidents. PPCB officials confirmed that field personnel will receive training in interpreting satellite data, enforcing penalties, and following verification protocols. During the July 3 CAQM meeting, the chairperson emphasised the need for a "zero tolerance" policy, supported by real-time monitoring and community participation. "With daily dashboards, village-level mapping, and real-time surveillance, we're adopting a proactive, tech-enabled strategy to reduce farm fires. The goal is early detection, swift enforcement, and collective action," said a PPCB official. "This satellite-backed enforcement model may well become a blueprint for other agrarian states battling similar pollution and climate challenges," the official added. MSID: 122923621 413 |
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
NGT issues notices to PPCB, dyeing industry CETPs in contempt petitions filed by PAC
In the ongoing legal battle over extreme water pollution in Ludhiana's Buddha Dariya, now infamously known as Buddha Nullah, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Tuesday heard 14 clubbed cases, focusing notably on the legality and functioning of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) operated by Ludhiana's dyeing industry. The dyeing industry has been allegedly dumping untreated waste in the stream. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) informed the bench that a new industry minister, PPCB chairperson, and Member Secretary are now in place, all having intent to resolve the issue. PPCB submitted that it has enlisted IIT Ropar to draft a comprehensive solution and has imposed penalties worth crores on the three CETPs for violating environmental clearance (EC) conditions. Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) submitted an affidavit acknowledging non-compliance by the Punjab Dyers Association and Bahadarke Dyeing Association. The ministry sought two months time to enforce compliance or take action. The Tribunal directed the ministry to consider including affected residents as stakeholders. The petitioner, Public Action Committee (PAC), urged the bench to implement PPCB's own closure orders for the CETPs and accused the Board and industry players of collusion to delay action. PAC also filed three execution applications-cum-contempt petitions for non-compliance with the NGT's December 9, 2024 order. The contempt petitions seek coercive action against PPCB officials and CETP directors for continued discharge of untreated effluent into Buddha Dariya. Taking note, the Tribunal issued notices to PPCB and the CETP special purpose vehicles (SPVs). The contempt charges could lead to penalties of up to Rs 10 crore or imprisonment up to three years or both for willful disobedience of Tribunal orders. The NGT will next haer the petitions on October 7. Speaking outside the court in Delhi, PAC member Kapil Arora said, 'The PPCB, Punjab government and the Centre continue to downplay the crisis. The PAC, with other organizations, will intensify its efforts to hold authorities accountable and end these delaying tactics.' In its affidavit, the MoEF&CC has also said that 'that environmental clearance (EC) is mandatory' for all common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) in Ludhiana. The MoEF&CC has also served show-cause notices to three CETPs operating without EC and valid consents of the PPCB, recently. Notices were issued to the 15 MLD CETP at Bahadurke, the 40 MLD CETP at Focal Point, and the 50 MLD CETP at Tajpur Road. The notices pointed out multiple serious violations, including illegal discharges into Buddha Nullah, failure to take consents under environmental laws, and not adhering to stipulated safety and environmental norms.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Buddha Nullah pollution logjam: NGT to hear 11 clubbed petitions
Ludhiana is bracing for a crucial hearing at the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday, as 11 separate petitions concerning pollution in Buddha Nullah have been clubbed into a single case. The matter revolves around allegations that dyeing industries in Ludhiana are discharging untreated or inadequately treated effluents into the Buddha Nullah, causing severe water contamination. Environmental activists and members of the Public Action Committee (PAC) have accused the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) of failing to enforce NGT's previous orders, particularly those directing closure of outlets from Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) operated by dyeing industry associations. Activists claim that despite repeated directives, effluents continue to be discharged into the drain, posing a threat to public health and the environment. In response, the PPCB has submitted a short reply to the tribunal, stating that it has taken action against the violators. The board claims to have imposed environmental compensation (EC) on the CETPs for non-compliance. Specifically, the 50 MLD CETP at Tajpur Road has been fined Rs 2.49 crore since its inception. The 40 MLD CETP, also at Tajpur Road, has been penalised Rs 2.96 crore, and a bank guarantee of Rs 75 lakh has been encashed. Meanwhile, the 15 MLD CETP at Bahadur K Road has been fined Rs 4.5 crore. The hearing will also address the issue of 54 scattered dyeing units allegedly discharging effluents directly into the sewer system connected to Buddha Nullah. Several appeals have been filed by industry associations challenging PPCB's orders. These include: Punjab Dyers Association's appeals against PPCB's orders dated September 25 and 26, 2024, to stop discharge from the 50 MLD and 40 MLD CETPs, Bahadur Ke Textiles Knitwear Association's appeal against similar orders dated September 25, 2024, concerning the 15 MLD CETP, appeals against revocation of consent to operate the 40 MLD CETP at Jamalpur, Awana and challenges to EC orders issued in December, 2024 and January, 2025, including a Rs 3.73 crore penalty imposed on Bahadur Ke Textiles. The Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF&CC) has also stepped in, issuing show cause notices to all three CETPs following recent inspections that revealed serious lapses. A report submitted by the ministry highlights the lack of compliance and implementation of previous directives. As the NGT prepares to hear the consolidated case, officials from multiple government departments and industry representatives are expected to face tough questions. The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for environmental governance and industrial accountability in Ludhiana. Key Allegations Activists & PAC accuse Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) of failing to enforce NGT orders The main concern is discharge of untreated/partially treated effluents from dyeing units and CETPs into Buddha Nullah Environmental Compensation (EC) Imposed --50 MLD CETP (Tajpur Road): Rs 2.49cr --40 MLD CETP (Tajpur Road): Rs 2.96cr and Rs 75 lakh bank guarantee encashed 15 MLD CETP (Bahadur K Road): Rs 4.5 crore Industry Appeals Punjab Dyers Association: Challenging PPCB orders dated Sept 25 & 26, 2024 Bahadur Ke Textiles Knitwear Association: Challenging EC and discharge stoppage orders Other Appeals: Against revocation of consent to operate and EC notices issued in Dec 2024 & Jan 2025 Government Action MoEF&CC Issued show-cause notices to all three CETPs Inspection findings: Serious lapses and non-compliance reported Report submitted: Highlights failure to implement previous directives What's at stake 54 Scattered Dyeing Units: Allegedly discharging effluents directly into sewer lines Activism and legal battles could reshape environmental accountability and industrial regulation in Ludhiana
