Ludhiana, March 14 -- {Bishanpura, Barmalipur}

Residents of Bishanpura and Barmalipur villages staged a protest late on Wednesday outside the Doraha police station over 'severe pollution caused by a chemical factory' in the area.

The protesters, supported by farmer leaders, blocked traffic on the service road and raised slogans against Punjab Police and the factory owners.

According to the protesters, land in Bishanpura village was acquired for setting up a tile factory but a chemical factory came up instead. They said the pungent smell of chemicals from the factory spreads across the region, causing health issues among locals. They alleged that authorities concerned have not taken any action despite repeated complaints.

The locals sa...