In a major crackdown on environmental pollution, dyeing and printing units in Punjab, India, are at risk of closure due to their failure to adhere to air and water pollution regulations. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has issued warnings to over two dozen units, with three units found discharging untreated water, posing a grave threat to the environment and public health.
Recent inspections conducted by the PPCB have revealed that approximately 50 dyeing units in and around Ludhiana, a significant hub for fabric dyeing and processing in Punjab, have been operating without implementing necessary pollution control measures. Of particular concern is the absence of Fluidized Bed Combustion (FBC) technology, known for its ability to minimize air pollution from solid fuel. Shockingly, half of the inspected units were found to be using outdated solid fuel furnaces, exacerbating the pollution problem.
During a recent media briefing in Ludhiana, Harbir Singh, the Superintendent Engineer at the PPCB, expressed deep concern over the violations. He stressed that the non-compliant units face closure if they fail to install FBC technology, which could have a significant impact on Ludhiana’s vital dyeing and processing industry. Singh highlighted that despite the alarming number of violations, some units have taken steps to rectify the situation by investing in the installation of FBC technology, with completion targeted by the end of June 2023.
Ashok Makkad, the president of the Ludhiana Dyeing Units Association, acknowledged that certain units resorted to burning plastic, scrap, and waste materials as alternatives to conventional fuels. However, this practice only worsens the air pollution issue. On the other hand, owners of smaller dyeing units argued that the financial burden of installing FBC technology, which costs approximately ₹7 lakhs, poses a significant challenge, especially considering the industry’s year-long slump season. Ludhiana is home to an estimated 300 dyeing units, underscoring the potential impact of the regulatory crackdown.
Responding to numerous complaints, PPCB teams conducted raids on dyeing units in Ludhiana to inspect their water treatment plants. Shockingly, three units were found to be releasing untreated wastewater into open drainage systems, posing a serious risk to the local ecosystem. The inspection team, led by Sandeep Bahal, the chief engineer of the PPCB in Ludhiana, promptly submitted their findings to the board’s chairman. Closure orders for these units are now being considered as a consequence of their environmental negligence.
Ludhiana’s dyeing and processing industry plays a vital role in producing finished fabric used by garment units not only in Punjab but also in other regions of northern India. The potential closure of non-compliant units highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to mitigate pollution and ensure sustainable practices within the industry.
The PPCB’s efforts to enforce environmental regulations serve as a wake-up call for dyeing and printing units across Punjab. As authorities strive to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation, it is imperative for industrial stakeholders to prioritize pollution control measures and invest in sustainable technologies to protect the environment and secure the future of their businesses.