Zira liquor factory case: Water samples near Ferozepur's ethanol plant fail test
Ferozepur (Punjab), May 21: A report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has revealed that water samples drawn from 29 borewells near an ethanol plant in the district are unfit for drinking and had an unpleasant odour.
According to the report submitted to the National Green Tribunal, total dissolved solids (TDS), boron and sulphates were found in high concentrations beyond acceptable limits in the water samples.
Water samples taken from two borewells inside the factory were found to contain huge amounts of heavy metals, including arsenic, chromium, iron, manganese, nickel and lead, the report said.
Earlier in January, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered the immediate closure of the liquor factory after a protest by villagers.
An inspection team also discovered that 10 borewells and six piezometers were installed on the plant grounds without approval from the CGWB or the PWRDA (Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority).
According to CPCB report, two of these borewells were installed at a distance of a few metres, in violation of guidelines.
The CPCB team has recommended a probe in order to establish the contaminated zone and take corrective action.
It has also asked the Punjab Pollution Control Board to investigate the alleged violations and take the appropriate corrective actions to decontaminate the affected sites.
The CPCB has directed the PPCB to conduct a thorough environmental site assessment by engaging a professional organisation with experience assessing and remediating contaminated groundwater and soil.
The PPCB was also instructed to ensure that the plant administration presents a complete project report for groundwater remediation in polluted regions.
Furthermore, the CPCB has urged that the PPCB impose environmental compensation (EC) or commence legal action for creating environmental harm and groundwater contamination.
Also Read: Rajasthan clash: IAF grounds entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter aircraft for checks
- ANI
