Journalist complaint led PPCB to penalize PSPCL with a fine of Rs 5 crore for polluting air and water
Bahadurjeet Singh/Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ July 17,2025
A local journalist Jagdeep Singh from village Thali in Ropar district led Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to impose Rs 5 crore fine on Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Plant, Ropar.
Jagdeep Singh said “last year and in January this year I had shared a video on my channel “Punjabi Lok Channel” and highlighted the issue of fly ash was depositing on our houses, crops and elsewhere. After that the residents of other villages also shared similar views on my video. No formal complaint is given by me to anyone. Later PPCB officials came to my house and verified the information of my video and found it correct.”
Later the PPCB team visited, contacted the GGSTP authorities and directed them to comply with the observations made by them, after checking the plant thoroughly
But, PSPCL’s thermal plant failed to comply the orders of PPCB. Taking stern action, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has imposed a fine of Rs 5 crore on the Ropar thermal plant for violating environmental laws. In an order passed on July 7 after a hearing before the PPCB Chairman, the board has withdrawn the “consent to operate” the plant. The plant authorities have been directed to deposit Rs 5 crore within 15 days. The next hearing in the case will be held in the second week of August.
As per PPCB, the thermal plant failed to provide shed over the coal storage area till date. The plant has not installed ETP for the treatment of reject of DM plant, laboratory, floor wash etc and the same is being discharged into Ghanouli drain without any treatment. The plant has not initiated work regarding concreting of the road network so as to avoid dust emission problem. The plant has not engaged any expert body for control of black smoke during the cold start-up of its units, till date etc.
The thermal plant is using Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) as fuel for start-up of boiler furnace. For cold start-up, the HFO consumption goes upto 75KL
With the board withdrawing the “consent to operate”, the plant authorities would not be able get fresh coal supply till the orders were stayed, sources said.
PSPCL official said they would file an appeal against the order of the Punjab Pollution Control Board Chairman in the coming days.
