Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday directed an environmental expert committee to carry out a detailed examination of the compressed biogas (CBG) plants at Bagga Kalan and Akhaara in Ludhiana. He emphasized that the report should be submitted within a defined timeline to enable appropriate follow-up action, reported Hindustan Times.
During an interaction with local residents, Mann said the committee, comprising members from the Punjab Pollution Control Board, academic institutions, and other relevant bodies, should engage directly with the villagers to understand and assess their concerns about the projects.
He assured the public that all objections raised by the community will be taken seriously and thoroughly evaluated by the expert panel. “The interests of the local population will be protected at all costs, and no action will be taken that compromises their well-being,” Mann said.
He also reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance approach to environmental violations, asserting that any breach of pollution norms will invite strict action. “We are fully committed to safeguarding Punjab’s air, water, and environment,” he added.
In a separate development, the Chief Minister, while speaking in Chandigarh on Friday, said the state government is taking decisive steps to establish a strong semiconductor ecosystem in Punjab.
Chairing a meeting with semiconductor industry representatives, Mann highlighted the state’s potential in this high-tech sector and said the government is ready to provide comprehensive support. This includes the creation of a dedicated semiconductor park in the Mohali region.
“The semiconductor industry offers a significant opportunity for economic growth, and Punjab is well-positioned to become a key player,” he said. Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, Industries Secretary KK Yadav, and Invest Punjab CEO Amit Dhaka were also present at the meeting.
