Today, the PPCB SDO refused to collect samples on the pretext that his seniors had ordered him not to do so. The matter was reported to Deputy Commissioner (DC) AS Pannu, who pulled up PPCB officials in a specially-called meeting in the afternoon.

On February 22, when the villagers had closed the drain, a meeting was called by the DC and he had given 15-day deadline to the PPCB and one-month to MC authorities to identify the polluting units and take action against them.

The work started today when Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal reached the spot with officials of the MC, Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board and PPCB.

Baba Seechewal said the PPCB should collect water samples at the draining points of the industries and also the air samples around the drain. But PPCB SDO Harpal Singh said his seniors had asked him not to do so.

However, PPCB Executive engineer Harbir Singh denied that the board official had refused to collect samples. He, however, took the sample when DC Pannu and ADC SPS Mrar pulled up the board officials.