For PPCB, a dilemma: HC directs it to pass speaking order on Zira liquor factory, Mann has already announced its closure

On April 11, the PPCB had denied the consent to operate to the liquor factory on the plea that they did not have required documents, including the log book recording the discharge on day-to-day-basis. The factory had sought renewal of “consent to water” and “consent to air” from the PPCB in December. But as the issue was controversial, amid an agitation demanding the closure of the factory, the board sat on the application. It did not carry out a renewal inspection. Later, in January, the CM in a video message and announced the closure of the factory.

Operations at the liquor factory have been suspended since July last year. After the denial of permission last month, the factory owners moved HC, which has now asked the PPCB to give a hearing to the factory owners, seek for completion of the required documents and then pass a speaking order.

Sources in the government said that the board will now give a notice to the factory owners for a hearing before the chairman of the PPCB, and will also get various reports from the departments concerned about the pollution, if any, caused by the factory. “The board will examine the reports and will listen to the factory owners. Then a speaking order will be passed,” said a functionary.

A source added that the PPCC was stuck as the CM has already made an announcement about closure of the factory. And if it does not allow the owners to operate the factory despite their providing all documents, then the HC will shoot the orders down. Another issue is of the protestors, who have not lifted their dharna from outside the factory since July last year.

Sources said that the factory has not set up a green area outside their factory as per the rules. Also they have not provided the details of treatment plant about the discharge, use of generator, and others details.

The reports of various committees set up by the government to check samples of soil, water and blood of humans and livestock, are very lengthy. The reports have not drawn a direct inference if the factory was responsible for any diseases caused among the humans and animals, a source said.

“It is difficult to deny consent to operate to the factory on the basis of those reports,” said a functionary.