Alarming data submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has revealed that the Punjab government and local authorities have failed to address more than half of the identified sources contaminating the state's rivers and water bodies. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) provided a status report showing a significant backlog in remedial actions.
Widespread Non-Compliance Across Departments
According to the report, out of a total of 1,511 identified polluting point sources across Punjab, action has been completed against only 692. This leaves a staggering 819 sources, or 54.2%, continuing to discharge pollutants unchecked. The NGT, which is hearing a case on river pollution in the state, has directed authorities to take urgent corrective measures.
The breakdown of pending cases highlights severe inefficiencies. The department of rural development and panchayats has the worst record, with 510 out of 800 identified sources still operational. Only 290 have been closed. In contrast, municipal corporations under the local government department performed better, closing 193 out of 200 sources.
Industrial, Dairy, and Individual Outlets Add to Crisis
The PPCB data provides a sector-wise snapshot of the ongoing pollution:
- Industrial Sources: 44 out of 46 closed, with 2 pending.
- Dairy Waste Sources: Only 14 out of 43 closed, leaving 29 active.
- Municipal Councils & Nagar Panchayats: 27 out of 78 sources still functioning.
- Individual Outlets: This is the most critical category, with 239 out of 242 sources remaining unaddressed.
- Other Sources: 5 out of 102 yet to be closed.
The board informed the tribunal that after its September 19 order, additional action increased the number of closed sources from 606 to 692. However, it admitted that a substantial number of outlets continue to discharge untreated or partially treated wastewater into rivers and drains, necessitating coordinated action from multiple departments.
Action Plans and Funding Hurdles
The status report also included a tentative action plan for the renovation of 510 village ponds, submitted by the superintending engineer of panchayati raj (public works). The proposed plan schedules this renovation in phases between April 2026 and March 2028, with targets spread across different quarters. The PPCB clarified that these targets are subject to the availability of funds.
Regarding the closure of 238 individual polluting sources, the PPCB wrote to the department of water resources on December 11, seeking directions for concerned officers, as this department is the custodian of state water bodies.
The PPCB has assured the NGT that it will ensure adherence to the timelines set by the departments of local government and rural development for closing all remaining polluting sources. These include industrial units, village wastewater outlets, urban local body drains, dairy waste sources, and individual discharges. The NGT has demanded strict compliance with these deadlines.
