Expedite probe into sugar mill spill: Punjab CM to agencies

Chief minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday directed the agencies concerned to properly pursue legal and penal action against the offenders in the incident involving the leakage of molasses into the Beas in Gurdaspur district and warned them against any laxity in the matter.

Reviewing the progress of the action taken so far, the chief minister also sought a detailed report by Thursday from the department of environment on the inquiry initiated into the spill which had killed thousands of fish besides damaging aquatic life and disrupting the canal-based water supply in the southern districts of Faridkot, Muktsar and Fazilka.

An official spokesperson said the CM had directed the officials concerned to ensure that no leniency is shown against those responsible for the incident.

The Punjab Pollution Control Board will hold a formal hearing into the matter on May 24, said the spokesperson, adding that prosecution had already been initiated by the department of wildlife for the loss of aquatic life. Similarly, the department of water resources had also initiated legal proceedings against the offender distillery under the Canal and Drainage Act.