Patiala, November 29

In an effort to involve general public in its tirade against those indulging in violation of water and air pollution norms, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) would soon put up pollution control awareness hoardings in all parts of the state. The hoardings would list details in simple language about the ill-effects of the violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, on the environment as well as humans.

Conceived by PPCB chairman KS Pannu, the initiative is likely to strengthen the tirade launched by the Board against those violating the prescribed norms, thereby polluting the underground water, air and environment of the state.

Talking to TNS, Pannu said the proposed hoardings would be put up outside all the District Industry Centres and Focal Points in the state.

He further said hoardings would be put up in next seven to 10 days.

"Any kind of disposal of the industrial waste, bio-medical waste and other types of hazardous waste in an unscientific manner in the open drains, seasonal rivulets and water channels can have disastrous effects on the environment and humans.

Hence, covering this aspect, the hoardings would spread the message among everyone to strictly comply with the pollution control norms", said Pannu.

Meanwhile, the Board authorities have appealed to the people to inform them in case anyone has specific information about any industrial unit flouting the pollution norms.

Pannu said identity of the whistleblower would be kept secret. He said information about those violating the pollution norms could be sent via sms at 56263095 or mailed at eco.sampark@ppcb.gov.in.

"The hoardings would carry an appeal to the masses to extend their cooperation to the Board in its drive against industrial/dyeing/health care centres and other establishments, which defy the pollution norms", he said.