India, April 12 -- Environmentalists, activists, and opposition slam the AAP government for pro-industry pollution law ahead of Ludhiana bypoll.

CHANDIGARH: The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's decision to adopt the Centre's Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 in Punjab-allowing industries to discharge pollutants into water bodies in exchange for financial penalties-has ignited a political and environmental firestorm in the agrarian and river-rich state.

The controversy revolves around the state's recent adoption of the amendment, which replaces provisions of the landmark 1974 law. The Punjab Vidhan Sabha passed a resolution last month to adopt the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollutio...