Baba Seechewal, supporters block drain to stop indutrial waste

Jalandhar, Feb 22 (UNI) Noted environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal along with his supporter today blocked the Kala Sanghia drain at village Nahalaa in the district to further prevent the flow of industrial waste into it.

Seechewal while talking to UNI said that he accompanied by other villagers blocked the seasonal drain with sacks filled with earth.

He said the unchecked flow of industrial waste and untreated water of the municipal corporation into the drain had polluted the entire area. ''People in the surrounding areas are suffering from all sort of ailments includng cancer, kidney, skin and other diseases due to industrial affluents, untreated water and chemicals waste released by the leather industries into the drain, Mr Seechewal said.

To further prevent the damage to the health of the people and crop in the region, he along with villagers blocked the drain, so that untreated waste released by the industries could flow back to the industries and they could see how polluted it is, he said.

Taking stock of the situation, the administration immediately sprung into action and called a meeting with industrialists and Baba Seechewal.

''The Deputy Commissioner after the meeting, issued notices to the industries, to treat the water within 15 days or face closure,''Mr Seechewal informed.

UNI DP VKJ VN Mir RK2128