PPCB flags compliance gaps, urges builders to follow EC norms in Zirakpur

Chandigarh: The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) held an interactive session with the Builders Welfare Association in Zirakpur to sensitise developers to environmental compliance and adherence to Environmental Clearance (EC) conditions during construction.Conducted by the PPCB’s regional office, Mohali, the session was supervised by superintending environmental engineer Gursharan Dass Garg and executive engineer Kanwaldeep Kaur. Officials said the focus was on simplifying norms and improving compliance in housing and construction projects.Garg stressed strict adherence to EC conditions during both construction and operational phases. Builders were advised to prominently display environmental guidelines at sites to ensure on-ground enforcement.Officials also cautioned about legal consequences of violations and urged builders to independently review and accurately fill application forms instead of relying on intermediaries, saying this would streamline approvals and reduce discrepancies.With the monsoon approaching, PPCB asked builders to clean rainwater harvesting systems and ensure only surface runoff enters recharge structures to prevent groundwater contamination.The board further stressed efficient functioning of sewage treatment plants (STPs), reuse of treated water for gardening and dual plumbing, and strict curbs on unauthorised discharge of effluent. Builders were also encouraged to adopt plantation drives and minimise solid waste generation through eco-friendly practices.Builders’ association president Harish Gupta assured cooperation and flagged the need for additional STPs in Zirakpur to support rapid urban expansion.PPCB chairperson Reena Gupta said sustained coordination between regulators and stakeholders was key to ensuring environmentally responsible urban growth.BUILDER COMPLIANCE: PPCB FOCUS AREASEC norms: Mandatory during construction & operationMonsoon readiness: Clean rainwater harvesting systemsSTPs: Ensure efficient functioning, reuse treated waterDischarge: No untreated effluent releaseOn-site display: Environmental guidelines at projectsDocumentation: Accurate, self-filed applicationsPush: Transparency, awareness, sustainable urban growth