The Punjab State Pollution Control Board (PPCB) on March 19, 2026, notified regarding the Monitoring of groundwater quality of large and medium-scale red category industrial units, operations, or processes through the Piezometer.
The following has been stated:
• The order emphasizes that the PSPCB constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, is responsible for preventing and controlling water pollution and maintaining water quality. Industries are required to obtain Consent to Establish and Operate under Section 25 of the Act.
• To monitor groundwater contamination, large and medium-scale red category industries generating effluents must install piezometers (devices to measure groundwater level, pressure, and quality) within or outside their premises. These industries are mandated to get groundwater samples from piezometers tested annually by Punjab Biotechnology Incubator and submit reports to the Board.
• Regulatory authorities, including Regional Officers and Senior Environmental Engineers, shall ensure compliance during inspections by verifying sample collection and testing.
• The order comes into force with immediate effect.
[Notification no. - SEE(HQ-2)/2026/5702-06]
