Punjab pollution body adopts strict measures,quantum of effluents for treatment doubles

The pollution caused by electroplating industries in terms of toxic effluents had been a serious issue of concern,said the press statement,adding that such units in Ludhiana and Jalandhar were discharging their industrial waste containing chromium and nickel through the sewage system in Budha Nallah and Kala Sanghia drain.

Recently,PPCB had conducted raids on 41 electroplating industries at Ludhiana and 27 electroplating industries at Jalandhar. During the past month alone,the Board has ordered closure of eight such industries at Jalandhar for discharging their effluents into the sewerage system. The closure notices have been issued to all the defaulting industries.

Board officials had also conducted meetings with the various associations of the electroplating industries at Ludhiana and Jalandhar with a view to sensitise them about the issue. The Board had issued a public notice to non-conforming electroplating units at Ludhiana to ensure the lifting of effluents within a period of 15 days failing which it has warned that strict action will be taken. Meanwhile,Pannu further said that a survey will be conducted to identify all those electroplating units that are yet to register with the pollution board.