Ludhiana, Punjab – Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha Member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal has strongly criticized the Punjab government and its officials for their persistent failure to effectively clean the Buddha Nullah, a significant drain in Ludhiana, despite years of rejuvenation efforts and substantial financial investment.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the MP voiced his concerns during the 46th meeting of the Buddha Dariya Rejuvenation Project. The continuing pollution levels in the water body have reportedly brought into question the performance of departments responsible for managing sewage and industrial waste discharge.
This public criticism from within the ruling party comes at a time when the government’s initiatives to combat the Nullah’s pollution continue to face considerable challenges on the ground. Despite numerous high-level meetings, directives issued to officials, and actions taken against entities found violating waste disposal regulations, the issue of pollution remains a major concern for the city of Ludhiana.
During his recent inspections of various Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) along the Buddha Nullah, MP Seechewal reportedly identified critical shortcomings in their operational efficiency. The state of these facilities has reportedly raised serious questions regarding the efficacy of monitoring mechanisms and the accountability of the officials tasked with ensuring that sewage and industrial effluents are adequately treated before being released into the water body.
The expenditure of approximately Rs 800 crore, reportedly allocated towards pollution control and rejuvenation projects for the Buddha Nullah, has also come under scrutiny. The significant gap between the funds spent and the tangible results achieved has highlighted the administration’s struggle to address the ongoing problem. The continuous discharge of polluted waste into the Buddha Nullah has left authorities facing persistent questions about why the issue remains unresolved despite substantial financial outlays.
The challenges facing the Buddha Nullah rejuvenation extend beyond the treatment plants. Dairy waste originating from the Tajpur Road and Haibowal clusters, along with industrial discharge, continues to contribute significantly to the pollution load. MP Seechewal has previously pointed out the failure to halt the flow of waste into the drain, even in instances where enforcement measures, including the registration of cases against violators, have been implemented.
The Buddha Nullah, a vital tributary of the Sutlej River, passes through the industrial heart of Ludhiana. Its pollution has long been a major environmental and public health concern for the city and downstream areas. Historical efforts to clean the Nullah have faced numerous setbacks, often attributed to a lack of coordination between various government departments, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient enforcement of environmental regulations.
Environmental experts have noted that the effective rejuvenation of the Buddha Nullah requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes not only upgrading and maintaining STPs and ETPs but also addressing the issue of untreated domestic sewage, controlling industrial effluents, managing solid waste, and preventing solid waste dumping directly into the drain. The involvement of local communities and awareness campaigns are also considered crucial for long-term success.
The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has previously stated its commitment to tackling the environmental challenges facing the state, including the pollution of its rivers and drains. However, the recurring criticism from within the party regarding the Buddha Nullah project suggests that the implementation of these environmental policies may be facing significant administrative hurdles and a lack of desired pace.
The continued pollution of the Buddha Nullah has drawn attention from various environmental groups and concerned citizens who have been advocating for more stringent measures and greater accountability from the authorities. The MP’s strong stance is expected to add further pressure on the state government to expedite and improve the effectiveness of its pollution control initiatives in Ludhiana.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
