The NGT, February 21 directed a joint committee to look into the allegations of an industry (M/s A.P. Refinery Pvt. Ltd.) located at Nakodar road, Jagraon, district Ludhiana, Punjab contaminating groundwater.

The joint committee will comprise representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Punjab Pollution Control Board, District Magistrate, Ludhiana and Central Groundwater Authority (CGWA).

The industry is in the business of solvent extraction, refining and supply of refined rice bran oil.

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The complaint filed before the NGT said that the industry is violating the environmental norms. The ETP installed within the premises is not adequate and efficient and has not been operating properly with the industry using by-pass mechanism as a result thereof untreated effluent from the industry is being discharged on the land of the company and also outside. The counsel for the applicant has submitted that the colored groundwater is coming out and the villagers are agitating.