Punjab Pollution Control Board gets CAG rap

Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) on Tuesday got a rap from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) for neither formulating environmental standards nor preparing any comprehensive programme for prevention, control or abatement of water pollution in the state.

The CAG report after conducting performance of audit of ‘water pollution in Punjab’ found flaws in the functioning of PPCB.

The CAG recommended the state to ensure periodical inspection of industries and take appropriate action against industries operating without the consent of PPCB and monitor the quality of ground water.

The audit showed that PPCB had neither prepared comprehensive programme for the prevention, control or abatement of pollution of streams and wells in the state except for two towns — Ludhiana and Mandi Gobindgarh — nor formulated environmental standards based on local considerations.