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Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
At public hearing, residents of 50 Punjab villages oppose paper mill at eco-sensitive zone
Bathinda: A public hearing at Chamkaur Sahib on April 30, 2025, regarding the establishment of a paper mill on 200 acres turned out to be historic, as residents of the area crossed the first hurdle in stopping the establishment of the industry in an ecologically and water-sensitive area, as indicated by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report sent by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to the Union environment, forest, and climate change ministry. PPCB had sent the proceedings of the public hearing to the central ministry on May 22. Earlier, the paper mill had filed an application for obtaining environmental clearance for the production of 1.65 lakh TPA writing and printing paper, along with 1.26 TPA wood pulp, on May 22. The environmentalists and residents of the area, comprising nearly 50 villages, claim they do not want a polluting industry to come up in the area, which is rich in heritage and ecologically sensitive. PPCB has duly mentioned the views expressed by most of those present at the public hearing. The report has been made public. Environmentalists claim that some similar public hearings have been organised in Punjab in recent years for setting up such industries, but this hearing turned out to be historic as the residents from various villages en masse opposed the establishment of the industry. Many questions were asked, which became increasingly difficult for the PPCB and the industry to answer during the hearing, which lasted for about four hours. During the voting, most of the hands were against the establishment of the industry, said members of the pro-environment organisation Public Action Committee (PAC). PAC members stated that the proceedings, as reported, do not support the establishment of the industry. According to the report, out of a total of 873 citizens present, only 20 or so voted in favour, and the rest were against it. Another legal hurdle that has beset the industry was a notification produced by the activists under the Environment Act, which states that no red-category industry will be set up within 500 metres of a water source. "The land purchased for this mill has the Buddha Dariya flowing only 10 metres on one side and the Neelon Canal flowing 200 metres on the other. If such a red-category mill is set up, the risk of pollution to the surrounding water sources increases significantly. The Neelon Canal is used to supply drinking water to Ludhiana city in the summer, and the Buddha Dariya has already earned a reputation for spreading cancer to South Punjab and Rajasthan," said a source. Jaskirat Singh of PAC said that the history created by the team of Chamkaur Sahib Morcha has saved the future of Punjab's drinking water from a very big threat to some extent. However, now this battle has reached the Union environment ministry, and it is very important for the people of Punjab to send their views at that level so that the industry does not get the environmental clearance. MSID:: 121394506 413 |
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Punjab Pollution Control Board issues ultimatum to Ludhiana's scattered dyeing units to adopt zero-liquid-discharge technology or shift out of city.
Ludhiana: The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has issued a final ultimatum to nearly four-dozen scattered local dyeing units — adopt zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technology by the end of the year or shift operations outside the city. The directive is part of an intensified crackdown to prevent untreated industrial effluents from contaminating the Buddha Dariya, a heavily polluted urban drain in the heart of the city that joins the Satluj. While cleaning efforts outside Ludhiana have shown significant progress, authorities are struggling to curb wastewater inflows within city limits, from small-scale dyeing units particularly. R K Ratra, chief engineer at the PPCB, said: "Operators of these units must either install ZLD systems or relocate to designated industrial hubs. The deadline for infrastructure setup is Sept 2025, with full compliance expected by Dec." Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal, a noted environmental activist, is spearheading efforts to restore the Buddha Dariya through community-driven 'kar sewa' (voluntary service). Despite these efforts, several units operating in pockets such as Industrial Area, Jalandhar Bypass, and Samrala Chowk continue discharging untreated wastewater into municipal sewers, undermining the broader cleanup mission. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 그랜저 월32만원에 신차장기렌트 지금 바로! ★특판할인★ 렌트런 할인 보기 Undo The owners of a few units have submitted compliance proposals to the PPCB. While a few are adopting ZLD, others prepare to move their operations outside city limits, where treated water will be repurposed for irrigation. Larger textile manufacturers, meanwhile, are opting to outsource dyeing to third-party fabricators or cease in-house processing altogether. Notably, while the PPCB urged Ludhiana's municipal corporation to disconnect sewer lines of non-compliant units more than two years ago, no action has been taken. Officials cite pending decisions from the state govt as the reason for inaction. As the Dec 2025 deadline looms, PPCB officials have claimed that monitoring and enforcement will intensify to ensure Ludhiana's waterways are no longer used as industrial dumping grounds. MSID:: 121314890 413 |
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Row as AAP Delhi spokesperson named Punjab Pollution Control Board chief
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab on Monday appointed the party's Delhi spokesperson, Reena Gupta, as chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), triggering a row with opposition parties slamming the move to name a non-Punjabi for the top post. Apart from Gupta, the Punjab government on Monday appointed 31 people, mostly from the AAP, as chairmen, directors, and members in various government boards and corporations of the state. Gupta will be the first women chairperson of PPCB and 27th overall since the formation of the board. According to sources privy to the developments, Gupta was the only candidate from Delhi for the post of PPCB chairperson. 'The remaining 27 were mostly from Punjab, including top engineers and two former IAS officers,' the official said, pleading anonymity. Chief secretary KAP Sinha-led selection panel on Friday had shortlisted the incumbent PPCB chairperson Adarsh Pal Vig and Thapar University professor Amit Dhir, apart from Reena Gupta for the post. However, chief minister Bhagwant Mann selected the name of Reena Gupta and her appointment was notified on Monday, the official added. Established in 1975, the PPCB is a nodal agency in matters related to enforcing environmental regulations and managing pollution in Punjab. It is also the nodal figure during farm fires and one of the vital agencies which formulates policies to tackle stubble burning. As per Gupta's online profile, she has served as an adviser to the government of Delhi during the AAP government and also has experience working with the World Bank. She was also the AAP spokesperson in Delhi. 'Reena has worked extensively for the party and advised the Delhi government during the AAP regime on the issues of environment, education and other fields. She has vast knowledge on the issue of environment, and her selection is on merit', said an AAP leader who didn't wish to be named. Another non-Punjabi, Deepak Chauhan, has been made chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board. The opposition parties have slammed the move. Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said two non-Punjabis have been made chairperson of important bodies. 'Deepak Chauhan, ex-PA to backroom boss Sandeep Pathak, hailing from UP, is now chairman of Punjab's Large Industrial Development Board. He has no industrial experience. Meanwhile, Reena Gupta — another non-Punjabi & Former Delhi SEIAA member — is now chairperson of Punjab Pollution Control Board. 'Nepotism? No no… it's called Badlav. ', he said on X. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said that CM Mann has surrendered two of the top posts in the state to outsiders. 'Now he (CM Mann) has surrendered two key posts - Chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board & Chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board to acolytes of Kejriwal,' Sukhbir said on X. 'Never before in the history of the state have outsiders been handed over all important posts,' Badal added on X.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
City sees fewer stubble burning cases
Ludhiana: For decades, harvest season in Ludhiana means scratchy throat, laboured breath and an unsettling smog that dulls the sunlight. However, things may be changing. As per figures released by Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), the number of wheat stubble burning incidents in Ludhiana this year (around 550 so far), have reduced substantially as compared to previous years. PPCB officials attributed this to increased awareness among farmers against such practices. According to data provided by PPCB on the number of active fire incidents (Rabi season) were reported in Ludhiana between April 1 and May 18, 2025. As per figures based on satellite data collected by the remote sensing department, 537 such incidents were reported in Ludhiana district between April 1 and May 18, 2025. A total of 624 such cases were reported in the corresponding period last year, which means a 13.9% reduction in cases this year. Data for the state was analysed for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. In 2022, the district recorded 933 cases of stubble burning between April 1 and May 18. Thereafter, numbers started declining over the last three years. The figure of 933 cases in 2022 was highest in four years. According to the PPCB report, 49 cases of stubble burning were recorded in Ludhiana on May 18 this year. The number stood at 117 on the same day in 2024. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ثلاجات غير مباعة تنتظرك – شاهد الأسعار الآن! ثلاجات | إعلانات البحث ابحث الآن Undo Total of 10 cases were reported on May 18, 2023 while on May 18, 2022, there were just eight stubble burning incidents. With 537 stubble burning incidents between April 1 and May 18 this year, Ludhiana stands at the eighth position among districts of the state in terms of stubble burning cases. Amritsar recorded the highest number of such incidents at 1,043, while Gurdaspur was second with 811, and Moga was close behind at 789. Rupnagar had the lowest number of cases among districts of the state, with just 24 incidents recorded in the ongoing Rabi season. A source in the PPCB said that although most farmers are not setting stubble on fire due to awareness campaigns launched by various government agencies, including PPCB, others are not paying much heed. He added that authorities are taking action against such farmers. The district administration said that the change had come about due to consistent efforts. Deputy commissioner Himanshu Jain attributed it to awareness campaigns, deputation of village-wise nodal officers, and constant review. An official in the civil administration said that even though such incidents have witnessed a substantial fall, steps need to be taken to bring the number down even further. Meanwhile, a progressive farmer said that while there was some improvement in the situation, wheat stubble burning was still a common practice. Sukhjit Singh Diwala, who campaigns against stubble burning on domestic and international platforms, accused the government of being lenient with farmers burning stubble. He added that ruling parties did not take strong action as they did not want to anger farmers before elections. He explained that many farmers were not using wheat crop stubble as fodder because the price of one quintal of fodder is around Rs 250, but farmers have to invest Rs 300 to Rs 400 per quintal to make fodder out of stubble. Boxes: Yearly reduction 13.9% drop in Ludhiana from 2024 to 2025. Consistent downward trend over the last three years District rankings (2025 Rabi season) Highest cases: Amritsar: 1,043 Gurdaspur: 811 Moga: 789 Ludhiana: 8th highest with 537 cases Lowest cases: Rupnagar: 24 SAS Nagar: 27 Pathankot: 72 Causes for decline in cases Awareness Campaigns Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and other government bodies ran extensive campaigns Promoted sustainable alternatives Village-level monitoring Nodal officers were appointed at village level These officers monitored fields and reported violations in real-time Enabled quicker response and enforcement Administrative Pressure Regular review meetings and follow-ups by district administration Increased accountability among local officials Promotion of alternatives Encouragement to use Happy Seeders, Super Straw Management Systems (SMS), and mulching techniques Some subsidies and support provided for machinery Legal action & penalties Farmers found burning stubble faced fines and legal notices This acted as a deterrent, especially in areas with strict enforcement Community involvement Progressive farmers and activists raised awareness Peer influence and social pressure discouraged burning MSID:: 121268286 413 |
Time of India
08-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Zirakpur municipal council fails to check pollution in Sukhna Choe
1 2 Chandigarh: The Zirakpur municipal council has failed to implement the recommendations made by the joint committee, headed by the Chandigarh deputy commissioner, to check pollution in Sukhna Choe. In a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) highlighted oil and grease coming to the sewage treatment plant (STP) in Zirakpur every 15 days. The municipal council authorities are not complying with the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, PPCB directed the Zirakpur municipal council to operate its STP regularly and efficiently to achieve the prescribed standards at all times. The municipal council has been instructed not to pump wastewater from the main pumping station (MPS) beyond the existing capacity of the STP for smoother operation. The PPCB also directed that the construction of two additional STPs, proposed by the municipal council, should be completed. The municipal council must immediately identify the source of oil and grease entering the STP and submit a report to the PPCB with concrete measures to stop Jan 27, the PPCB issued fresh directions to the Zirakpur municipal council to comply with the recommendations of the joint committee in a time-bound manner. The NGT, in an order dated July 11, 2024, constituted a joint committee headed by the Chandigarh deputy commissioner, with directions to submit a report on the pollution caused in Sukhna Choe. The joint committee submitted an interim report on Sept 30, 2024, wherein it was observed that the Sukhna Choe drain passes through various areas of Chandigarh and then joins the river Ghaggar at the joint committee made various recommendations to the municipal council, Zirakpur, to prevent the dumping of solid waste and untreated effluent into the drain. The joint committee recommended that the municipal council carry out a survey and identify the spot area of the solid waste dumped into the Sukhna Choe, and an 'iron net' should be fitted along the drain to prevent the dumping of solid waste and construction and demolition (C&D) waste. It was also recommended that the municipal council ensure regular operation and maintenance of the existing sewage treatment plant (STP) with a capacity of 17.3 PPCB was asked to issue directions to the municipal council Zirakpur to take corrective measures in a time-bound manner to ensure the operation and management of the STP, so there was no disposal of untreated effluent into the river Ghaggar. The NGT, in an order dated October 4, 2024, said, "Punjab and Haryana are directed to take remedial action as suggested by the joint committee and file an action taken report in this regard at least one week before the next date of hearing."Notably, the PPCB issued several directions to the municipal council Zirakpur after a hearing held on March 13, 2024, to prevent pollution in Sukhna Choe. "It was subsequently observed that the municipal council Zirakpur failed to comply with the directions of the hearing held on March 13, 2024," submitted the PPCB in its action taken report submitted to the NGT. On October 24, 2024, the municipal council Zirakpur was directed to plug the sewer line of the respective area and ensure requisite in-situ remediation treatment of untreated wastewater. Thereafter, in lieu of the non-compliance with the directions of the PPCB, the municipal council Zirakpur was served notice under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. MSID:: 120999349 413 | Chandigarh: The Zirakpur municipal council has failed to implement the recommendations made by the joint committee, headed by the Chandigarh deputy commissioner, to check pollution in Sukhna Choe. In a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) highlighted oil and grease coming to the sewage treatment plant (STP) in Zirakpur every 15 days. The municipal council authorities are not complying with the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, PPCB directed the Zirakpur municipal council to operate its STP regularly and efficiently to achieve the prescribed standards at all times. The municipal council has been instructed not to pump wastewater from the main pumping station (MPS) beyond the existing capacity of the STP for smoother operation. The PPCB also directed that the construction of two additional STPs, proposed by the municipal council, should be completed. The municipal council must immediately identify the source of oil and grease entering the STP and submit a report to the PPCB with concrete measures to stop Jan 27, the PPCB issued fresh directions to the Zirakpur municipal council to comply with the recommendations of the joint committee in a time-bound manner. The NGT, in an order dated July 11, 2024, constituted a joint committee headed by the Chandigarh deputy commissioner, with directions to submit a report on the pollution caused in Sukhna Choe. The joint committee submitted an interim report on Sept 30, 2024, wherein it was observed that the Sukhna Choe drain passes through various areas of Chandigarh and then joins the river Ghaggar at the joint committee made various recommendations to the municipal council, Zirakpur, to prevent the dumping of solid waste and untreated effluent into the drain. The joint committee recommended that the municipal council carry out a survey and identify the spot area of the solid waste dumped into the Sukhna Choe, and an 'iron net' should be fitted along the drain to prevent the dumping of solid waste and construction and demolition (C&D) waste. It was also recommended that the municipal council ensure regular operation and maintenance of the existing sewage treatment plant (STP) with a capacity of 17.3 PPCB was asked to issue directions to the municipal council Zirakpur to take corrective measures in a time-bound manner to ensure the operation and management of the STP, so there was no disposal of untreated effluent into the river Ghaggar. The NGT, in an order dated October 4, 2024, said, "Punjab and Haryana are directed to take remedial action as suggested by the joint committee and file an action taken report in this regard at least one week before the next date of hearing."Notably, the PPCB issued several directions to the municipal council Zirakpur after a hearing held on March 13, 2024, to prevent pollution in Sukhna Choe. "It was subsequently observed that the municipal council Zirakpur failed to comply with the directions of the hearing held on March 13, 2024," submitted the PPCB in its action taken report submitted to the NGT. On October 24, 2024, the municipal council Zirakpur was directed to plug the sewer line of the respective area and ensure requisite in-situ remediation treatment of untreated wastewater. Thereafter, in lieu of the non-compliance with the directions of the PPCB, the municipal council Zirakpur was served notice under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. MSID:: 120999349 413 |
