Bathinda: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), taking up pollution in water bodies, stated that the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) had in an affidavit disclosed that IIT-Ropar was awarded the study of ‘Source Apportionment and Comprehensive Investigation of Pollution in Buddha Dariya’ at a cost of nearly Rs 1.45 crore. The study aims to provide a scientific foundation for river rejuvenation efforts in the state, enabling regulators, industries, and local bodies to implement targeted interventions, strengthen compliance monitoring, and restore the ecological and socio-economic value of Buddha Nullah and Satluj. The IIT is expected to complete the study by March 31.
Taking up the pollution in the water channel, NGT recently observed that even as the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) looked into the CETP discharge point and identified downstream locations, the result that the MoEFCC got from that sample analysis might not reflect the correct position. A permanent solution is required to ensure that the Buddha Nullah is not polluted by any units or other violators, even in the normal course when no such monitoring through the tribunal is carried out. The NGT expected that the MoEFCC and PPCB would duly take this fact into account while finding a solution to the issue of pollution in the Buddha Nullah.The NGT observed the PPCB would take the requisite action for the imposition of EC on industries that are not complying with environmental norms. The pro-environment organisation Public Action Committee (PAC) stated that the observation highlighted the tribunal’s concern that temporary solutions to such problems are no longer acceptable.
