National Green Tribunal Mandates Progress Report on Ludhiana Carcass Plant Relocation
In a significant environmental directive, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana to submit a detailed progress report regarding the shifting of the city's carcass disposal plant. The report must be filed one week prior to the next scheduled hearing, ensuring timely updates on this critical infrastructure project.
New Site Identified in Jamalpur Awana
The Deputy Commissioner has already presented a comprehensive report to the tribunal, confirming the identification of an alternative location for the plant in Jamalpur Awana, Tehsil Ludhiana (East). This 2-acre plot, officially recorded in the 2011-12 Jamabandi, is owned by the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, providing a clear legal foundation for the transfer.
A joint committee, established last month by the Deputy Commissioner, conducted thorough inspections to assess the feasibility of relocating the facility. Their findings have been instrumental in selecting this site, which has subsequently been communicated to the Municipal Commissioner for coordinated action.
Environmental Compliance and Zoning Verification
Detailed evaluations by the revenue department confirm that the proposed site adheres strictly to environmental safeguards. Key distances from sensitive areas—including surface water bodies, flood plains, settlements, educational institutions, places of worship, and wildlife sanctuaries—exceed 500 meters, fully complying with Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) guidelines.
Furthermore, the district town planner's report indicates that the site falls within the utility zone of Ludhiana's Master Plan, where carcass plant establishment is permissible under specific conditions. One such requirement is proximity to a minimum 4-karam-wide revenue road, which must be operational and metalled. The proposed site abuts a 6-karam-wide road, though it requires proper metalling before operations can commence.
Timeline for Relocation and River Restoration Mandate
The senior counsel representing the Deputy Commissioner has assured the tribunal that there are no objections to shifting the plant to the new site. This relocation process is projected to be completed within a nine-month timeframe, with regular progress reports mandated to ensure accountability.
Simultaneously, the tribunal has addressed environmental damage concerns. The applicant's counsel highlighted that five previously operational illegal hadda-roddis (carcass processing units) have caused significant harm to the Sutlej river. In response, the NGT has directed the PPCB counsel to file a status report assessing the extent of this damage and outlining necessary restoration measures before the next hearing on July 29.
This dual focus on infrastructure relocation and ecological remediation underscores the tribunal's commitment to balancing urban development with environmental stewardship in Ludhiana.
