The lives of residents in villages and colonies near Derabassi Barwala Road are at risk due to black ash emissions from factories, particularly the Nectar Life Science chemical factory near Haripur Hindu village.
Satbir Singh, a resident, expressed concern about the detrimental impact of the black ash on their village and fields. He mentioned that the black particles from the factory›s chimney are openly falling in the village, making it challenging for the residents to live and earn a livelihood.
The affected individuals have urged the Punjab Government and Pollution Control Board officials to take action. If the issue of black ash emission is not addressed soon, they have threatened to surround and close the factory.
Satbir Singh and other residents explained that the factories on Derabassi Barwala Road, involved in the production of various items, including chemicals, use straw and rice bran in their boilers. As a result, black ash from the factory chimneys pollutes the air, settling on houses, roofs, parked vehicles, and courtyards.
The black ash causes inconvenience to pedestrians, leading to eye irritation and potential eye diseases. Even clothes hung out to dry on rooftops become stained with black ash. The problem extends to animals, as the black particles falling on their fodder pose a health risk.
Despite demands from the villagers for the factory managers to control the black ash emissions, no action has been taken. The residents have now declared that if the factory management does not address the issue promptly, they will take measures, including forcibly encircling the factory.