DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday asked the environmental expert committee to thoroughly examine the Bagga Kalan and Akhaara CBG plants and submit its report in a time bound manner.

The Chief Minister, while interacting with the villagers from the both the village in Ludhiana, said that the expert committee comprising representatives from pollution control board, universities and others should meet the villagers and assess all the points related to setting of these plants. He reiterated that the committee and villagers will carefully examine each and every concern being raised by the local residents. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the committee should submit the report pertaining to the plants in a time bound manner so that adequate action can be taken on it.

The Chief Minister assured that the government will not allow any violations, and that no action will be taken without first safeguarding the interests of the villagers. He reiterated the state government's firm commitment to pollution control in Punjab and affirmed that there will be zero tolerance for any violation of pollution norms. Bhagwant Singh Mann made it clear to the villagers that the plant will be completely pollution-free, and that no one will be permitted to violate the rules.

The Chief Minister further said that strict action will be taken against any rule-breakers adding that the state government is committed to preserve the water and environment of the state. Citing the instance of Ghungarali village biogas plant?which was set up with the consent of villagers?as an example, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for the first time in history of state decisions are being taken with consent of people. Meanwhile, he also said that the Punjab government will leave no stone unturned to safeguard the interests of the state

and its people.

(editor@dailyworld.in)