Ludhiana, May 26 -- The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has submitted a report to the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change, highlighting strong public opposition to the proposed Ruchira Paper Mill near the banks of Buddha Nullah in Chamkaur Sahib. The report comes after a public hearing held on April 30, 2025, under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms.

Over 1,000 villagers from around 60 surrounding villages participated in the hearing, voicing unanimous rejection of the proposed red-category industry. Residents feared the private mill would devastate the ecologically rich area home to rivers, canals, wildlife, and dense forest cover.

The locals united under the banners of the Sri Chamkaur Sahib Mor...