Punjab industry needs 3 months to go green

The Federation of Tiny and Small Industries of India (FOTSII) has asked the Punjab government for three months to install treatment plants in their factory premises.

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has given orders to about 150 industrial units in Ludhiana and Jalandhar on account of untreated wastewater and hazardous chemicals, emanating from these industries, being dispersed into rivers.

Of the 150 industrial units, 110 are in Ludhiana with majority of them situated in residential areas.

However, industrialists say that since 1993 they have been demanding the state government for separate land in order to shift units from residential areas but no land has yet been provided.

Speaking to Business Standard, Joginder Kumar, president, FOTSII, said, "We are willing to move out of residential areas but at least the state government should provide us adequate land for the purpose. Industries do not have any place to shift outside.

"The area in Focal Point Phase 8 has been allotted to big industrial houses and is lying unused for many years. Same land can be allotted to us so that 250-odd electroplating units can be shifted."

Out of the 110 units in Ludhiana, 50 are of electroplating, 20 are dyeing units, 42 are fastener units, which generate acidic water, and 12 are miscellaneous units. The units are located at Tajpur Road, Dashmesh Nagar, Janta Nagar etc, all of which are thickly populated.

Joginder Kumar also alleged that PPCB officials demand bribe for passing the samples of drinking water and effluents.

"If they are not paid as per their demand, our samples are rejected. We have written to the PPCB chairman in this regard, and will also move the Punjab State Human Rights Commission for the purpose."

According to Kumar, the PSIEC was supposed to treat water near Campa Cola Chowk for industries in residential areas, but the task has not been done so far.