Ludhiana units fail to beat the green bell

It is now doubtful whether industrial units are serious about controlling pollution in Ludhiana.

The deadline for the registration of electroplating units with the special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed to run the common effluent treatment plant (CETP) ended on March 31. But of the 350 units, only 70 have registered for the treatment of effluents. It is a common knowledge that electroplating units are highly polluting.

Joginder Kumar, CEO of the SPV, said: "The industrialists who have not yet registered with us can register even now, by paying Rs 2,500 as registration fee, as against Rs 2,000 charged earlier. Registration is essential, and later all units can get their effluents treated at the effluent treatment plant to be run by the SPV."

The deadline for registration of the electroplating units and for making CETP operational has been extended by two months to May 3.

The CETP was installed in Focal Point by Punjab State Industrial Export Corporation (PSIEC), but has been non-operational for the last 20 months.

The Special Purpose Vehicle was formed by the Science and Technology Department in consultation with industry delegates, following the alarming levels of pollution by electroplating units.

Joginder Kumar said that the industry must come forward for effluent treatment, failing which their premises may be sealed.

"The government had called tenders to run the CETP and pick effluents from industrial units in the state. About five companies have applied for it, and tenders will be opened on April 13 under the chairmanship of Director Industries Sanjay Kumar, who is chairman of SPV."

He highlighted that all electroplating units, whether running in designated or non-designated commercial areas, must register themselves with the SPV soon.

SPV members said that though nearly 360 electroplating units have told the Pollution Control Board that they have installed their own effluent treatment plants, most don't run these plants and are polluting ground water.