A recent drone-based survey along the Buddha Nullah has revealed that a majority of outlets into the watercourse are either closed or seasonal. The survey, conducted by the Dakha drainage sub-division from Koom Kalan to the Sutlej, found that seasonal drains active only after rainfall were discharging storm water into the nullah.
Key Findings of the Survey
However, the survey also identified several locations where treated effluent, dairy wastewater, and overflowing sewage were entering the Buddha Nullah, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and corrective measures. Officials stated that the comprehensive inventory of outlets will assist departments in pinpointing areas requiring remedial action.
Infrastructure and Stagnant Water
Numerous ponds and stagnant water pockets were observed between Koom Kalan and Tajpur. Several storm-water pipes were functional during the rainy season, and certain points near villages had accumulated stagnant water. The survey noted that most treatment infrastructure along the watercourse was operational, including outlets of the 50 MLD and 40 MLD common effluent treatment plants (CETPs), and the 225 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) near Tajpur Road. An outlet carrying dairy wastewater near the Seechewal-model pump was also flowing.
Non-Functional Bypass Outlets
Officials observed that several bypass outlets linked to intermediate pumping stations were non-operational. Non-functional bypass outlets were reported at Gaushala, Kundan Puri, and Upkar Nagar. The survey also found that a large number of storm sewer connections in the dairy complex area, including blocks A and B, showed no dry weather flow, indicating they were not discharging sewage. Similar findings were recorded from Kande Wali Pulley to Jagdishpura.
Stretch-Specific Observations
In the stretch from Main GT Road Pulley to Sunder Nagar Pulley, a sewer overflow point near Kirpal Nagar was closed, while a road gully connection was functioning for rainwater disposal. A water connection and a storm-water outlet were also present. From Sunder Nagar to Perubanda, most outlets were storm-water drains with no dry-weather flow. A CETP outlet near Chand Cinema was operational, though some sewer overflow points had been closed.
Between Perubanda and Lord Mahaveer Pulley, several open storm drains and floodgate structures were documented, carrying water only during the rainy season with no dry-weather discharge. An ETP overflow point was identified in the Gopal Nagar area.
Downstream Conditions
Further downstream, between Lord Mahaveer Pulley and Balloke, the situation was similar. At Balloke and beyond, only a handful of small outlets were working, including a minor domestic discharge point near Partap Singh Wala and water seepage points near village bridges.
