A contentious debate surrounding the cleaning of Ludhiana's heavily polluted Buddha Dariya drain shows no signs of abating. The controversy pits Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament Balbir Singh Seechewal against local activists from a Public Action Committee (PAC), who are demanding public accountability over the methods being employed.
Activists Raise Five Major Objections, Demand Open Debate
The core of the dispute has moved to the public square, with activists formally challenging MP Seechewal to an open debate. They seek clear answers on several critical points they have raised regarding the cleanup's execution and long-term plan.
The activists have highlighted five primary concerns. First, they question the safety of using treated water from the drain's dyeing units for agricultural purposes. Committee members argue it remains a "moot point" whether this water is genuinely safe for crops.
Secondly, they point out a logistical issue: agriculture requires water for only five to six months a year. They demand to know where the treated water will be diverted during the remaining half of the year. Another significant grievance involves the management of fly ash, which is reportedly causing severe difficulties for residents living near the Tajpur Road dyeing complex.
Seechewal's Response and Administrative Claims
Activist Kapil Arora stated that they have publicly tagged Seechewal on social media with videos showcasing the drain's condition. "We are inviting him for an open discussion in front of the public so that there should be clarity over this issue," Arora said.
In response to the challenge, Balbir Singh Seechewal asserted his commitment to the cleanup, noting that work has now progressed from the city's outskirts to within its limits. "I have been doing every possible thing to clean the drain," he stated. On the debate, he said, "I am in the city only. People can come and meet me. I am ready for any debate if it is for the good of the city." He further claimed that he never intended for treated or untreated water to flow into Buddha Dariya.
District Administration Asserts Oversight and Action
Amidst this public sparring, the district administration released a press statement on Thursday, asserting its active role. The statement claimed that pollution control in the drain is being managed under the direct supervision of Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain and Municipal Corporation Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal.
A multi-departmental effort is reportedly underway. Agencies including the Municipal Corporation, Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Punjab Pollution Control Board, and the drainage department are involved in regular cleaning, maintenance, and monitoring of Buddha Dariya and its connected systems.
The administration outlined ongoing activities: thorough checks of drainage networks, sewer lines, sewage treatment plants (STPs), effluent treatment plants (ETPs), and intermediate pumping stations (IPS). Any identified problems like breaches or blockages are addressed through joint action. Field inspections are frequent, and progress is documented using geo-tagged photographs from various sites to ensure on-ground compliance.
The standoff highlights the complex challenges of urban river rejuvenation in Punjab, where technical solutions, public accountability, and long-term sustainability plans are under intense scrutiny from engaged citizens.
