The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to decide within three months a representation of Dera Bassi residents who have been complaining that meat processing units in the vicinity are causing pollution in the area.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Tirath Singh Thakur and Justice Kanwaljit Singh Ahluwalia, disposing of the petition filed by Dera Bassi residents, also directed the counsel for PPCB, A R Takkar to monitor the functioning of one such meat processing unit, M K Overseas.

The industry had moved the High Court demanding quashing of orders passed by the PPCB in 2007 where the Board had ordered closing down of the unit.

The industry had accused PPCB of malafide and had demanded that fresh samples be taken by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

After two years of litigation and persistent monitoring of the High Court, the samples taken by the CPCB found that the industry was not creating any pollution.

The CPCB has,however, recommended that the storage capacity of effluent storage plant of the industry be increased. The High Court has directed the industry to enhance the capacity and asked the PPCB to ensure that the industry does not create any pollution failing which the PPCB will have the right to take stern action against it. Another case concerning Punjab Meats Limited (PML) owned by Dr A S Bindra was adjourned after detailed arguments.