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Chandigarh: Senior Congress leader and AICC secretary Pargat Singh on Saturday welcomed the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) intervention on uranium contamination in Punjab’s groundwater, calling it a crucial step for public health and accountability.The NGT, acting on a Times of India report, issued notices to the Punjab and the central govt agencies after alarming levels of uranium were found in drinking water sources across several districts of the state.Pargat described the issue as more than an environmental concern, terming it a “serious health threat affecting thousands of families”.“Access to safe drinking water is a basic right. The NGT compelled both the Centre and the Punjab govt to act responsibly. They must now urgently release funds, install purification systems, conduct medical screenings, and publish water quality data transparently. Delays or excuses are unacceptable,” he said.The senior leader also pressed for the immediate release of Jal Jeevan Mission funds earmarked for water safety projects in the uranium-hit areas.Pargat further welcomed the NGT’s recent order for the permanent closure and dismantling of Malbros Distillery at Zira, which followed a three-year agitation by the Sanjha Morcha — a coalition of 40 villages — against pollution of land, air, and water.“Zira’s victory is a powerful example of community resilience. But this is only one battle. Continuous vigilance, rigorous enforcement, and comprehensive coverage of all affected areas are essential to protect public health and the environment,” the Congress leader observed.The Jalandhar Cantt MLA stressed that uranium contamination and the Zira agitation underscored the urgent need for transparent governance, strict regulation of polluters, and active citizen participation.“Punjab needs justice, not just sympathy. Clean water must be guaranteed for all. Polluters should face penalties, and govts must act promptly. This is about saving lives, not shaping headlines,” he said.Pargat called for immediate medical camps in the affected areas, real-time water quality monitoring with public dashboards, stronger penalties for polluters, and a dedicated state-level task force to coordinate with the Centre and the NGT for swift action.MSID:: 123871019 413 |
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