PUNJAB Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has unearthed a nexus between nearly 60 industrial units of Ludhiana and one Kohara-based unit, for not treating industrial effluent.

The Board has identified these units which are located in different parts of the city, and has decided to send them show-cause notices for violation of Hazardous Waste Management Rules.

Talking to Newsline, Environmental Engineer PPCB Sandeep Behl said, ‘‘All these units get their industrial effluents (untreated water) lifted by the staff of Kohara-based Devesh Enterprises in water tankers. These effluents are thrown in kuccha trenches dug at Sanghe village near Kohara.’’

Behl highlighted that the effluents were being thrown forming a protective lining between the earth layer, or adhering to other norms of water treatment. ‘‘This was polluting the ground water here. Following the complaints of villagers, we visited the site and ordered the closure of the unit immediately.’’

Behl says the nexus has led to considerable pollution of groundwater. ‘‘The owner of Devesh Enterprises had hired four tankers to collect untreated water from various industrial units. As a layman, no one can make out what is being carried in the water tankers. Also, the industries are supposed to treat the effluents themselves, and if they give it to some agency, an authorisation certificate is essential.’’

Officials of Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) say the owner of Devesh Enterprises was throwing water in open trenches. After the effluents evaporated, the ferrous sulphate left as a residue was being sold to dyeing units. Sources reveal that dyeing and electroplating units are involved in this nexus.

Behl highlights that if effluents are treated scientifically and as per the Environment Protection Act, one can earn well through residues like ferrous sulphate and many other chemicals.