The recent incident, on May 17th 2018, of leakage of molasses into River Beas by a sugar factory has caused massive destruction to the marine ecosystem in over 30 km stretch of the river near Amritsar and has caused death of hundreds of fishes.
In wake of such severe environmental damage affecting human life around the river bank as well as the marine life of the affected part of the river, FIAPO has urged the Punjab Government authorities to ensure the closure of the sugar mill factory and impose strict penalty on them in compliance with the orders of the Punjab Pollution Control Board and in accordance with the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and applicable central and state laws.
It has also come to light that the Indus Dolphin, a critically endangered marine mammal found only in India (Punjab) and Pakistan, has not been spotted in the River Beas since the molasses leakage incident. As of now, the Punjab Pollution Control Board has ordered closure of the factory due to its negligence and an inquiry into the incident is underway.
To read the letter sent to Punjab Government Authorities, click here
