The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) conducted a surprise inspection at a dyeing unit in Phase-8 of Focal Point area on Tuesday and found its effluent treatment plant (ETP) was not functional, with the likelihood of contaminants being dumped into Buddha Nullah.
PPCB officials said a non-functional ETP meant that effluents from the unit, Aggarwal Scientific Dyers, were flowing into the nullah through Municipal Corporation (MC) sewer lines.
“The owner is a habitual offender as earlier an environmental penalty of ₹20 lakh was imposed to him when the monitoring committee of National Green Tribunal (NGT) had visited the unit in August last year and found the ETP non-functional. The unit was allowed to operate only after the owner submitted the environmental compensation.” said Sandeep Bahl, PPCB superintending engineer.
“A report regarding the same has been prepared and strict action will be taken against the firm,” said Bahl.