The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a joint committee to investigate allegations of multiple environmental violations by an industrial unit in Punjab's Barnala district, including unauthorised felling of trees, open burning of industrial waste and illegal extraction of groundwater.
The action follows a complaint filed by environmentalist Kuldeep Singh against Garson Industries, located on Fatehgarh Chhanna Road in Dhaula village. The complainant has alleged that the industrial unit created an access road to its premises by cutting seven fully grown green trees without obtaining permission from the competent authorities.
The tribunal has directed the committee to visit the site, verify the allegations and submit a status report within eight weeks. The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 30.
Waste burning, groundwater violations alleged
Apart from tree felling, the complaint raises several concerns over the unit's waste and water management practices.
According to the allegations before the tribunal, industrial waste residue was being burnt in the open, contributing to air pollution in the surrounding area. The unit has also been accused of extracting groundwater without the necessary authorisation.
The plea further alleges that untreated water was being discharged outside the factory premises and that the company had failed to develop the prescribed green belt or undertake plantation in accordance with Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) requirements.
The allegations have not yet been established, and the committee's inspection and report will determine the factual position.
The petitioner approached the NGT after alleging that repeated representations to the pollution control and state authorities had failed to result in effective action.
Four authorities on probe panel
The joint committee will include representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board, the regional office of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Chandigarh, the Barnala divisional forest officer and the Barnala deputy commissioner.
The deputy commissioner will act as the nodal agency for coordination.
The committee has been tasked with conducting an on-ground inspection rather than relying solely on documents submitted by the parties. Its findings are expected to establish whether the unit complied with environmental regulations governing tree protection, industrial emissions, groundwater use, wastewater disposal and plantation.
The Punjab Pollution Control Board had earlier issued a show-cause notice to the industrial unit in February over alleged violations, including open burning of waste and inadequate plantation.
The tribunal's intervention now brings the matter under wider scrutiny involving both central and state environmental authorities.
Report due within eight weeks
The panel will have eight weeks to complete its inspection and place a status report before the NGT.
The findings could determine whether further regulatory or remedial action is required against the unit. If violations are established, authorities may be asked to take measures to stop environmentally harmful practices and ensure compliance with applicable norms.
The case also highlights continuing concerns over enforcement of environmental regulations in industrial areas, particularly when complaints involve multiple issues cutting across the jurisdiction of pollution control, forest and district authorities.
With the matter scheduled to return before the tribunal on October 30, the joint committee's report will be central to determining the next course of action against the Barnala industrial unit.