Residents of Ludhiana are still troubled by fly ash since PPCB isn’t checking the plants

Even though locals have expressed their concerns over and over again over the serious air pollution that is purportedly produced by several dyeing enterprises, they continue to face hardship and health issues.

In addition to polluting the air, fly ash from industrial chimneys settles in people’s houses, especially along Tajpur Road, Tibba Road, Bahamian, and the surrounding neighborhoods. It has been said that the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) failed to adequately handle the problem, causing locals to suffer the most from pollution.

Concerns were raised by a group of locals over the PPCB’s purported failure to investigate businesses that could be breaking environmental laws. They insisted that the PPCB take concrete steps to reduce pollution.

Living in GK Estate, Bahamian Khurd, Harjinder Kaur said that they had been suffering for the last five years or so from fly ash falling into their houses and air pollution. But relief had eluded them. Several enterprises are situated in close proximity to their residential neighborhood.

Here, the fly ash keeps falling without stopping. The residue is clearly apparent on our house’s white marble floors. There is a great deal of anxiety among the locals. In addition, we avoid hanging damp garments on the roof because of the continuous black ash rain. We are experiencing health issues as a result of the pollution,” she said.

Joginder Singh, a resident of Tajpur Road’s Preet Nagar, next to the Central Jail, emphasized the lack of relief from the ongoing emissions of fly ash. Frequently, even two-wheeler riders find it difficult to go through impacted regions on Tajpur Road due to the pollution particles irritating their eyes.

“The buildup of fly ash across rooftops further underscores the severity of the problem,” he said, adding that “residents are witnessing a deterioration in our area’s air quality.” In the past, we had organized rallies against the threat, but we received no assistance. The PPCB needs to investigate and punish negligent industries.

Prior to this, locals had also requested—in vain—that the Municipal Corporation and PPCB install air pollution measurement equipment.

However, these colonies were close to the industrial sector, said to Pardeep Gupta, Chief Environmental Engineer, PPCB in Ludhiana. Gupta said that they were keeping an eye on the industries and that they were taking action if any violations were discovered, all the while maintaining continuous surveillance of industrial activity.

Approximately five industrial facilities were found to be in violation of the regulations, he added.

Daljeet Singh Grewal, the MLA representing Ludhiana East, could not be reached for comment.