Ludhiana: Addressing escalating grievances from residents of Tajpur Road regarding fly ash and industrial emissions, Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal has moved the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to demand immediate accountability.The environmentalist revealed he has filed at least 50 complaints regarding the hazardous air quality, prompting a confrontation with officials over the lack of public relief. During a city visit on Saturday, Seechewal expressed his annoyance with the PPCB’s progress, despite the board’s claims of ongoing enforcement. Investigations highlighted one particular industrial unit as a repeat offender, violating norms for both black smoke emissions and wastewater discharge. Even though the PPCB issued advisories on Oct 23 and 24, besides Nov 4 in 2025, and again on Jan 16 and 20 in 2026, compliance remained unsatisfactory. The board has now directed the firm to implement a rigorous 15-day corrective plan. Requirements include upgrading Air Pollution Control Devices (APCD), installing energy meters and CCTV systems with 30-day backups, and transitioning to mechanized fuel feeding. The industry must also submit a bank guarantee of Rs 1 lakh and deposit an environmental compensation fee of Rs 50,000 within seven days.Furthermore, the unit has been ordered to immediately apply for fresh consent under the Air Act. PPCB records show the industry must limit wastewater to 729 KLD (720 KLD trade; 9 KLD domestic), as per the previous consent valid through June 30, 2025. Failure to meet these specific directives could lead to a formal closure notice under the Air and Water Acts.While PPCB officials maintain that the situation is being monitored and verification is underway, Seechewal remains skeptical. “The action is not satisfactory,” the MP stated, affirming that he will continue to pursue queries until the residents of Tajpur Road receive a permanent resolution to the pollution crisis.
