In a crackdown on environmental violations, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation has filed 11 First Information Reports (FIRs) against dairy owners for polluting the city's drains. The action comes after repeated complaints from residents and environmental activists about the unchecked discharge of untreated waste from dairy units into the drainage system.
Details of the Violations
The FIRs were registered under the Environment Protection Act and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. Officials said that dairy owners were found illegally releasing cow dung, urine, and other waste directly into stormwater drains and sewage lines, clogging the system and creating foul odors. The pollution also poses serious health risks to nearby communities, including waterborne diseases and respiratory issues.
Authorities Step Up Enforcement
Ludhiana's Municipal Commissioner stated that the civic body is committed to curbing pollution and will not spare any violator. Teams have been conducting surprise inspections at dairy farms across the city, especially in areas like Haibowal, Gill Road, and Focal Point. In the past month, over 50 dairy units were inspected, and 11 were found violating norms. The authorities have also issued notices to other dairy owners to set up proper waste treatment facilities or face legal action.
Environmentalists have welcomed the move but demand stricter and sustained enforcement. They argue that dairy pollution has been a long-standing issue in Ludhiana, with many units operating without any waste management systems. The Municipal Corporation has also announced plans to create a centralized waste treatment facility for dairy clusters to help small-scale farmers comply with regulations.
The dairy owners, on the other hand, claim that the sudden crackdown is unfair and that they lack the resources to install expensive treatment plants. They have urged the government to provide subsidies or low-interest loans for pollution control measures. Meanwhile, the civic body has warned of further action, including sealing of illegal units, if violations continue.
