In a significant move to accelerate the much-delayed cleanup of Ludhiana's heavily polluted Buddha Nullah, Punjab Local Government Minister S. Sukhvir Singh Kataria conducted a thorough inspection of the ongoing restoration work on Tuesday. The minister expressed serious concerns over the sluggish progress and issued clear directives to expedite the crucial environmental project.
Urgent Review Meeting Scheduled
During his visit, Minister Kataria announced that a comprehensive review meeting has been scheduled for December to assess the project's advancement. "The restoration of Buddha Nullah is not just an environmental necessity but a matter of public health for Ludhiana's residents," stated Kataria, emphasizing the project's critical importance.
Comprehensive Action Plan Under Scrutiny
The inspection focused on multiple aspects of the cleanup initiative, including:
- Construction and upgradation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)
- Installation of interceptors to prevent industrial waste discharge
- Development of riverfront areas and beautification projects
- Measures to prevent groundwater contamination
Addressing Long-standing Pollution Concerns
Buddha Nullah, which flows through the heart of Ludhiana before merging with the Sutlej River, has been a major environmental concern for decades. The water body has suffered from severe pollution due to industrial discharge and untreated sewage, affecting both surface and groundwater quality in the region.
Minister Kataria warned officials that any further delays would not be tolerated, highlighting the Punjab government's commitment to completing the restoration work within the stipulated timelines. The project, once completed, is expected to significantly improve the water quality and ecological health of the area.
Strict Monitoring Mechanism Implemented
The minister directed concerned departments to establish a robust monitoring system to track progress regularly. "We need to ensure that every component of this project is executed with precision and within the designated timeframe," Kataria emphasized during his interaction with project officials.
The December review meeting is expected to bring all stakeholders together, including environmental experts, municipal authorities, and pollution control board officials, to ensure coordinated efforts in reviving this vital water body that has been central to Ludhiana's ecosystem.
