Following a tough stand taken by Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), the industrialists have started thinking of installing air pollution control devices so as to get the sealed units re-opened. It may be mentioned that many more units, which are not complying with pollution control norms also face a possible closure.
It needs to be mentioned that more than 600 units are located in Shimlapuri and adjoining areas — which have been categorised as “residential” as per the master plan.
The installation of air pollution control devices to achieve 55-decibel noise level in residential areas will cost the industrialists lakhs of rupees. Gurwant Singh, president of Small Scale Traders Association, said, “The point is that even if we spend lakhs of rupees and get the air pollution control devices installed, we may still get evicted because as per the master plan we can be told to move out anytime. The problem will not be resolved till the area is declared mixed land use area.”
Interestingly, these units exist here since mid 60s but till date, most of them have not followed the air pollution control norms, which also raises a question mark on the functioning of the PPCB.
Meanwhile, to get the six sealed units re-opened, small scale industrialists have urged PPCB to guide them as to how to follow air pollution control norms so that the units can go on stream again as early as possible. “Apart from the six sealed units, many others are also in line of fire. If they don’t follow air pollution control norms, they will also meet the same fate,” Babu Ram, member secretary, PPCB, told Newsline.
