Asking the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to pull up socks for making the state pollution-free, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday issued directions to launch a special drive for implementing zigzag technology in the brick kilns.

Chief Minister, chairing a review meeting, said that PPCB is duty-bound to ensure that Punjab becomes a pollution-free state by taking every possible step. “No laxity in this noble cause can be tolerated and PPCB should set its wheels in motion for ensuring that pollution — whether of land, water, or air — is minimized.

Mann said that this is the need of the hour to save Punjab for our coming generations and no stone should be left unturned for it.

Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister asked the PPCB to immediately launch a major drive for installing pollution-free zigzag technology in brick kilns across the State.

“The brick kiln owners should be encouraged to equip themselves with the new technology for zero-emission of pollution,” said Mann, while categorically adding that erring units must be dealt with sternly and severest of severe action should be taken against them.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government is firmly committed for providing corruption-free and transparent administration to the people. “Any sort of dereliction in this cause is unwarranted and undesirable,” said Mann adding that in consonance of this, PPCB must be made corruption-free for providing best services to people.

Mann also asked the PPCB authorities to tie up with the industrial giants and persuade them to adopt pollution-free technology for checking the emission from their units.

“The prime focus should be to make industrial units a partner in a drive against pollution,” he said while assuring the PPCB fulsome support and cooperation for their drive against pollution.