Ludhiana, July 11 -- A non-governmental organisation - Public Action Committee (PAC) - has launched a scathing attack on the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), accusing it of protecting dyeing industries responsible for the illegal discharge of untreated effluent into the Buddha Nullah. The committee said it has filed contempt petitions in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against PPCB officials and directors of two common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) for "failing" to follow environmental norms and "misrepresenting" facts before the tribunal.

PAC members Kuldeep Singh Khaira and Jaskirat Singh said that despite clear NGT orders directing the PPCB to ensure compliance with environmental clearance norms and stop the release of ind...