*PPCB Intensifies Action Against Black Smoke, Strengthens Measures to Protect Water Resources*

*“Let us make Punjab a zero-black-smoke state with the cleanest water resources” — PPCB Chairperson Reena Gupta*

*PPCB Strengthens Field Monitoring and Regulatory Action to Curb Pollution Across Punjab After Review of Regional and Zonal Offices*

Chandigarh, August 14:The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has intensified its action against black smoke emissions and strengthened measures to safeguard Punjab's water resources by rolling out a series of source-specific environmental interventions across the State. The initiative aims to curb visible emissions, prevent pollution of water resources and promote cleaner industrial practices through a combination of targeted regulatory action, scientific monitoring, technical guidance and capacity building.

The decisions were taken following a comprehensive review of the functioning of the Board's Regional and Zonal Offices, during which PPCB Chairperson Ms. Reena Gupta prioritised the identification of black-smoke hotspots and the prevention of river-water contamination through focused, technology-driven interventions.

To improve compliance, the Board will develop sector-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for brick kilns, rice shellers, furnaces, hazardous-waste-generating units and other identified industries. Regional Offices will organise training programmes in local languages for industrial clusters on applicable SOPs and best environmental practices to minimise pollution.

Special emphasis is being laid on brick kilns to ensure compliance with approved fuel-use requirements and cleaner operational practices. In collaboration with the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, technical training will be imparted to brick-kiln owners and workers on zig-zag technology, approved fuels, maintenance practices, black-smoke prevention and the associated health impacts. During field inspections, purchase orders for stubble/rice-straw pellets will also be sought as documentary evidence to verify compliance with prescribed fuel-use requirements.

To further encourage cleaner industrial operations, the Board will develop a model and best-practice framework with technical support from Princeton University. Awareness materials, videos and compliance guidance documents will also be prepared in collaboration with the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP).

Capacity-building initiatives will also cover rice shellers, stone crushers, electroplating units and other industrial sectors. Training programmes will focus on CPCB-approved SOPs, chemical handling, effluent treatment plant (ETP) operations, hazardous-waste management, worker safety and other pollution-control requirements. In addition, targeted inspections and technical guidance will address recurring causes of visible emissions, including deficiencies in operating practices, feeding systems, recuperators, air seals and coal pulverisers, wherever applicable.

To strengthen protection of Punjab's water resources, the Chairperson has directed all Regional Offices to facilitate the installation of CCTV cameras equipped with night-vision and motion-sensor features at all potential outlets of industries located alongside rivers and tributaries. High-risk industrial units and pollution-prone locations will be identified through monitoring data, background studies and complaint history.

In areas where risks to drains have been identified, the Board has directed the preparation of technology-driven measures for source identification, continuous monitoring and timely escalation. Drone-based assessments, wherever useful and technically appropriate, will also be considered. The Board will further coordinate with the concerned departments and stakeholders to implement preventive as well as corrective measures.

The Chairperson has also directed that inspections should comprehensively verify compliance with environmental clearance conditions, rainwater-harvesting provisions, pollution-control systems and all other applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Emphasising the need for scientific and practical solutions, Ms. Reena Gupta said, "Our approach must focus on identifying environmental hotspots, understanding the technical causes behind pollution and implementing practical solutions. Black smoke is not merely a visible emission; it is an indicator that cleaner operating practices and effective pollution-control measures must be adopted. Likewise, every drain, water channel and catchment is an environmental asset that must be protected from unauthorised pollution."

She further said, "By embracing digital monitoring, scientific decision-making and continuous stakeholder engagement, we are building a regulatory framework that is transparent, responsive and aligned with Punjab's vision of sustainable development. Let us work together to make Punjab a State of Zero-Black Smoke and the Cleanest Water."

The PPCB will continue to combine targeted regulatory action with technical guidance, scientific monitoring and capacity building to promote cleaner industrial operations and the protection of Punjab's environmental resources.

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The Punjab Protection of Trees Bill, 2026 to be a milestone in ensuring ecological balance & increasing green cover: Lal Chand Kataruchak

Chandigarh, August 14:The Punjab Protection of Trees Bill, 2026 is aimed at increasing green cover, ensuring ecological balance, and regulating the felling and replanting of trees and would prove to be a milestone in the fulfillment of these tasks, said the Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak.

Under the proposed bill, passed during the Monsoon Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha recently, no one will be allowed to fell trees in urban areas without permission, and anyone who cuts down one tree will be required to plant 10 in its place.

The Bill also provides for penalties and environmental compensation for illegal tree felling. A first offence will attract a fine of Rs 10,000, which will increase to Rs 35,000 for a second violation and Rs 50,000 for a third offence.

As per the bill, every jurisdiction in the state will have a designated “tree officer” whose approval will be mandatory before a tree is felled. Its objective is “to maintain green cover for ensuring ecological balance besides preventing pollution of the environment and conserving the soil.”

The Bill seeks to regulate the felling and replanting of trees in Punjab. It will apply to all municipal bodies across the state, while rural areas will remain exempt as agro forestry is practiced in villages.

According to the Bill, only a dead tree or one that has fallen without human intervention in an urban area may be cut. The state government will appoint tree officers from the Local Bodies Department or any other department, who will be responsible for granting permission to individuals or government agencies seeking to fell trees.

The officer will be required to decide on an application within 30 days, and within seven days in the case of a dead tree. The officer must record the reasons for the decision after conducting an inquiry. If the officer finds that the tree poses a danger to any person or property, permission to fell it cannot be refused.

The Bill states that any person granted permission to cut a tree shall be bound to plant and tend two trees in place of every tree cut, preferably in the same area.

If land is not available, the tree officer may allow trees to be planted elsewhere or permit the applicant to deposit money in the state treasury, but reasons for this must be recorded in writing.

Trees must be planted within three months, failing which a fine will be imposed by the tree officer for the first offence. The penalty will go up to Rs 50,000 if non-compliance continues.

Individuals who cut trees without permission from the tree officer shall face an environmental compensation penalty of up to Rs 10,000 per tree. In cases where the tree officer’s permission is not required, the concerned agency must inform the tree officer about the tree cutting within 24 hours.

Notably, trees located in cantonment areas, military stations, air force stations, and defence establishments are exempted from the act due to operational requirements of the armed forces.

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*Punjab Government to Honour 27 Eminent Personalities with State Award-2026 on Independence Day*