NGT slaps Rs 5 crore interim fine on Punjab pharma unit

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed an interim fine of Rs 5 crore on a pharmaceutical unit in Punjab for "violation of environmental norms". While denouncing the conduct of the Punjab State Pollution Control Board (PSPCB) for failing to discharge its statutory functions effectively, the NGT directed the board to initiate criminal proceedings against the bulk drug manufacturing unit, besides determining the final compensation amount..