The ongoing mission to revive Ludhiana's Buddha Dariya has tackled a critical blockage point under the Chand Cinema flyover, where significant construction debris was left clogging the drain. For more than two weeks, a dedicated squad led by AAP Member of Parliament Balbir Singh Seechewal has been working to clear this stretch, extracting a staggering volume of waste.
Massive Cleanup Effort Uncovers Flyover Construction Debris
The cleanup team reported that they have successfully removed more than 80 truckloads of waste from the water channel. This debris, primarily construction material left behind after recent works, was severely obstructing the natural flow of water. The team emphasized that clearing such solid waste is crucial to restoring the drain's hydraulic capacity and preventing waterlogging.
Persistent Challenge: Slow Removal of Cleared Waste
While the cleaning of the drain's interior is progressing, a major bottleneck remains. The pace of lifting the already extracted waste from the drain's sides is causing significant concern. Seechewal has urgently called on civic authorities to expedite this process. He pointed out that the contractors responsible for the flyover construction should be held accountable for clearing their site. "If they fail, the concerned department must step in," he stated, noting that unattended debris often ends up back in the waterway, negating cleanup efforts.
This is not an isolated incident. A similar exercise was required just a few months ago under the Tibba Road flyover, where construction waste had similarly choked the water flow. The Buddha Dariya cleanliness drive, active for over a year, is now focusing on these internal stretches of the drain.
Open Debate Announced Amidst Ongoing Campaign
As the drive continues, it has also sparked dialogue. Activists from the Kale Pani Da Morcha have announced an open debate with Seechewal scheduled for January 10. They stated their intention to raise questions regarding the ongoing campaign, indicating community engagement and scrutiny over the river's rejuvenation project.
The situation underscores a recurring issue in urban infrastructure projects: the lack of proper waste disposal protocols post-construction. Seechewal's team remains committed to cleaning the internal areas of the drain, but their work is hampered by systemic delays in waste management, calling for stronger enforcement and contractor accountability.
