The Punjab government on Friday suspended two officials for alleged laxity following spillover of molasses into the Beas river.
A large number of dead fish were found floating in the Beas a few days ago after molasses from a sugar mill leaked into the river at Kiri Afghana in Gurdaspur district.
Environment Minister O.P. Soni ordered suspension of Executive Officer Kuldeep Singh and Sub-Divisional Officer Amritpal Singh Chahal of the Regional Environment Office at Batala.
“These officials did not properly monitor the area of Kiri Afghana, which falls in their jurisdiction. That’s why the incident of molasses spillover happened from Chadha Sugar Mill. Laxity towards work is not tolerable,” he said.
Mr. Soni said the lackadaisical approach of these officials had put aquatic life in grave danger. He asked all the officials of the department to ensure regular checks in their areas and take appropriate action against industrial units that violate norms.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira appealed to the people to share with him details of polluting industrial units from their regions. “I urge the people of Punjab to inform me about polluting industrial units in their vicinity so that I can make a spot visit and bring the matter to the notice of the Punjab Pollution Control Board.”
The Punjab government had on Thursday decided to take stringent penal action, including a ₹5-crore penalty, against Chadha Sugar Mill in the Beas spillover case. It was decided that the mill will remain sealed.
