The deadlock between industrialists and Punjab Pollution Control Board over installation of pollution control devices in their units today took a political hue when owners of the six units on Gill Road and Shimlapuri, which have been sealed by the board, met Cabinet Minister Hira Singh Gabria and explained their point of view on the issue.

Although files of about 100 other violators are also pending with the PPCB, the board has suspended its action for the time being.

However about these units which were sealed on October 1, the PPCB had categorically stated these would not be allowed to open till they got installed the pollution control devices. The units meanwhile have not done anything in this direction, despite hinting a few days ago that something was afoot.

Sources revealed that Gabria, who is also MLA of their area, is taking up the matter with the pollution control board department.

It needs to be mentioned that apart from not following sound pollution norms, these units are situated in residential area as per the Master plan. The industrialists argue that even if they invest in air pollution devices, they can be told to shift out of this area anyday and hence they don’t want to risk their investments. Air pollution devices per unit will cost in lakhs.

Gurwant Singh, president of Small Scale Traders and Manufacturers Association, said that they were still chalking out their next move and would meet the PPCB officials.

Interestingly, Singh said, “We are going to organise a general body meeting this week and will also be meeting the CM soon. We want that the area should be declared designated industrial area and only then, the industrialists can make some investment for controlling pollution.” Sources revealed that Gabria was arranging a meeting of the industrialists with the CM.