BBN Pollution Under Fire: Villagers Demand Environmental Audit, Stricter Action Against Industrial Units
Concerns over industrial pollution in Himachal Pradesh’s Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) belt have intensified, with residents of Majra panchayat, situated along the Punjab border, seeking a comprehensive environmental audit of the industrial region and the waste management facility operating in their village.
In a representation submitted to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), villagers have urged authorities to direct the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) to conduct a detailed environmental and operational review of the Shivalik Solid Waste Management Limited facility at Majra. They have also called for stricter regulatory action against alleged violations of environmental norms.
The residents claim that several industrial units in the BBN area are releasing untreated toxic waste, chemical sludge and heavy metals into local water streams, including the Sarsa River, which eventually flows into Punjab and joins the Sutlej. They fear that continued pollution could have far-reaching consequences for water quality and public health downstream.
The concerns gained urgency after an incident in which chemical sludge reportedly affected the Ropar Headworks in Punjab. According to the villagers, the episode led Punjab authorities to register a criminal FIR against unidentified industrial units and raised questions about regulatory oversight in the region.
Residents have alleged that despite visible signs of pollution and repeated complaints, enforcement measures have been inadequate. They argue that routine sampling and notices have failed to identify the actual polluters or curb environmental damage. As a result, they are seeking stricter accountability, including penal action and prosecution under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, wherever violations are established.
Adding weight to the residents’ concerns, Nalagarh MLA Hardeep Bawa has voiced support for their demand, citing reports of rising health problems in the area, including cancer and skin-related ailments. Environmental experts have also advocated a comprehensive health survey to better understand any potential links between pollution and public health.
Villagers further allege that toxic effluents leaking from pipes are seeping into groundwater, creating foul odours and contributing to insect infestations in nearby settlements. They say these issues have affected the quality of life of local communities and heightened anxiety over the long-term environmental impact of industrial activity.
For the residents of Majra, the demand is not merely about regulatory compliance but about safeguarding their water sources, health and future generations. Through their appeal, they hope authorities will undertake a thorough investigation, identify the causes of pollution and ensure that industrial development does not come at the cost of environmental and public well-being.
