Grave Violation of Pollution Control Norms in Punjab

A polluted drain in Patiala.

PSHRC seeks report from pollution board
Patiala, February 28
Taking suo motu cognisance of the news report "Waste disposal: Raids no deterrent for industries”, appeared in these columns on February 27, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has sought a report from the state government through the secretary, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Patiala.
The directions issued in this regard by PSHRC chairperson Justice (retd) Jagdish Bhalla and members, including Justice (retd) Baldev Singh, LR Roojam and Baljinder Singh, reads, "On the consideration of facts mentioned in the news item, the Commission prima facie takes cognisance of the matter and seeks a report from the state government through secretary, PPCB, Patiala, under Section 17(i) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, positively before the next date of hearing on May 10, 2012."
The environmentalists have been stating since long that the so-called drive to protect the environment degradation initiated by the PPCB against the industries/institutions, which are allegedly polluting the environment by flouting the pollution control norms, was nothing but a mere eyewash.
Meanwhile, speaking to TNS, RTI activist Jatinder Jain said Arnetu village, situated near the Ghaggar in the Patran subdivision, is an example how pollution could play havoc with human lives. Jain, who has been actively pursuing the matter against the discharge of hazardous waste by industries in the Ghaggar, said, “Because of the discharge of toxic waste in the Ghaggar by the industries, the underground water quality of Arnetu village has deteriorated and presently at least 36 villagers are suffering from physical deformities, like hearing impairment, mental retardation, skin ailments and congenital musculoskeletal disorders.”