Education Minister Harjot Bains : Expressing grave concerns over the pollution of Punjab’s water bodies due to industrial effluents from Himachal Pradesh (HP), Punjab Education Minister and Anandpur Sahib MLA ,Education Minister Harjot Bains has written to HP Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, urging immediate and strict action to address this critical environmental and public health issue.
Education Minister Harjot Bains has also reached out to the Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Member Secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), seeking swift resolution of this matter, particularly to protect public health in his constituency, Anandpur Sahib.
In his letter, he cited test results from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), which confirmed that hazardous industrial waste from HP’s industrial zones is contaminating the Swan and Barmala Khad, eventually flowing into the Sutlej River. He underscored the seriousness of the issue, referencing an incident where multiple wild pigs died due to intoxication from polluted water in Barmala Khad. This unchecked pollution is not only degrading the Sutlej River but also endangering the health of local communities.
Urging the Himachal CM to intervene, Education Minister Harjot Bains referred to PPCB reports and numerous complaints from his constituents, calling for an immediate stop to the discharge of untreated industrial waste into Punjab’s waterways.
In his communication to the NGT Chairperson, Education Minister Harjot Bains emphasized the urgent need to safeguard Punjab’s ecological balance and public health. He demanded action against polluting industries, the closure of those violating pollution norms, and strict enforcement of environmental regulations by HP authorities. Additionally, he sought orders for monitoring and remediation of affected water bodies, including the Swan riverbed, Barmala Khad, and the Sutlej River.
Writing to the CPCB Member Secretary, Education Minister Harjot Bains requested immediate intervention for a thorough inspection of industrial units in Bathari and Golthai industrial areas of HP. He called for a halt to the discharge of untreated waste into the Swan and Barmala Khad streams and urged strict enforcement of pollution control norms, punitive action against violators, and long-term measures to restore water quality.
“The rivers are Punjab’s lifelines, and their contamination poses a severe threat to public health, agriculture, and biodiversity,” Education Minister Harjot Bains stated, stressing the urgent need for action to prevent further damage.