: Cracking down on the violators dumping untreated effluents in the sewer system, Punjab Pollution Control (PPCB) has imposed a penalty of ₹ 10 lakh on Hero Steels Ltd in Giaspura here for throwing acidic waste in sewer lines.
After the unit was caught indulging in illegal activity during a surprise inspection recently, the management was also directed to submit a bank guarantee of ₹ 50 lakhs as an assurance for not carrying any such unauthorised activity in future. Also, directions have been issued to spend ₹ 10 lakhs for improvement of environment in a nearby locality.
PPCB Chief Engineer, Ludhiana, Gulshan Rai stated that regular inspections are conducted by PPCB and untreated waste was being dumped by the unit during the night hours through a pipeline.
The PPCB had also ordered closure of the unit and snapped the power supply. But it was restored after the management submitted the penalty, said Rai.
Dumping of untreated waste in the sewer lines has been adding to the Buddha Nullah pollution and the authorities have been facing the heat for its failure to stop unlawful activity.