The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to provide original records related to the closure of two common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) in Ludhiana, following an appeal by the Punjab Dyers Association (PDA). The NGT has also temporarily halted the closure of the CETPs, pending further hearing on December 2, provided the PDA complies with environmental norms and clearance conditions. The PPCB had issued a notice to the PDA, demanding an immediate halt to the discharge of effluents from the CETPs into Buddha Nullah due to non-compliance with discharge standards and environmental clearance conditions. The PDA argued that the PPCB had approved the operation of one of the CETPs in August 2022, and that the state government’s failure to provide promised irrigation facilities had led to the discharge of treated effluent into Buddha Dariya. While the NGT has delayed the closure of the CETPs, the Public Action Committee (PAC) maintains that the NGT order does not grant a stay on the PPCB’s orders and that the PDA’s continued non-compliance with environmental norms allows the PPCB to take coercive action.