Punjab Environment Minister Om Prakash Soni on Friday suspended the Executive Officer (XEN) Kuldeep Singh and SDO Amritpal Singh Chahal of Batala Regional Environment Office in a case of molasses spill in Beas.
Soni said that these officers did not properly monitor the area of Kirri Afghana, which falls in their jurisdiction, that’s why the incident of molasses spillover has occurred from Chaddha Sugar Mill of Kirri Afgana. He said that laxity towards work will not be tolerated.
“Due to lackadaisical approach of these officers, aquatic life is in grave danger,” he said.
He strictly asked all the officials of the environment department, that they should ensure regular check in their areas and take appropriate action against the industrial units, which violate the norms.
The Minister said that any industrial unit would not be allowed to throw hazardous waste in the rivers and streams and strict action would be taken against the owners. He said that the Punjab Government is committed to make congenial atmosphere for industry but none of the industry or individual can be spared to harm the environment.