In a significant development for Ludhiana's environmental landscape, Rajya Sabha member and noted environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal has reported a major improvement in the water quality of the heavily polluted Buddha Dariya. During a recent inspection, Seechewal observed that the notorious stench from the drain has noticeably reduced, marking a positive turn in the long-standing cleanup efforts.
Tangible Improvements in Water Parameters
Seechewal provided concrete data to back the visual and olfactory improvements. He stated that in the Haibowal area, the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the Buddha Dariya, which previously exceeded 2,000, have now dropped to approximately 852. This substantial reduction indicates a significant decrease in the concentration of pollutants in the water body. The inspection, which included administrative officers, covered key stretches from Amrit Dharam Kanda, Shivpuri, Gaughat, and the Railway Line up to Haibowal to review the inflow of contaminated water.
Resident Concerns and Swift Administrative Action
During the visit, area residents highlighted persistent challenges. They pointed fingers at illegal meat shops and other establishments along the banks for discharging waste directly into the drain. Issues of ongoing sewage inflow and illegal encroachments along the Buddha Dariya's path were also flagged. The visit also led to immediate action when journalists raised the alarm about dumped medical waste near the water body. On Seechewal's instructions, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) officials promptly removed the hazardous medical waste.
Further bolstering the cleanup, two excavator machines have been deployed near the Haibowal Dairy Complex to remove silt from the drain, enhancing its flow and capacity.
Ongoing Campaigns and Future Commitments
Speaking to the media after the inspection, Seechewal detailed the concerted efforts behind the improvement. He revealed that a special campaign launched on December 22 last year has successfully stopped the discharge of manure and excrement from 79 dairies in rural areas. Furthermore, the Municipal Corporation has halted the discharge of approximately 160 Million Liters per Day (MLD) of sewage into the drain from various points.
Seechewal referenced a meeting held on November 27, where the MC Commissioner assured that all sewage flowing into the Buddha Dariya would be stopped by December 10. He also addressed the pending case of 40 and 50 MLD common effluent treatment plants, noting that their operation is stalled in court as their treated water did not meet the required standards. This meeting saw participation from officials of the MC, Drainage Department, PPCB, and Land Development Department.
In a related crackdown, the inspection uncovered two dyeing units operating clandestinely within the Haibowal Dairy Complex. PPCB's Executive Officer noted that the units were disguised as dairies. Upon exposure by Seechewal's team, PPCB officials took immediate action and recommended the closure of these illegal dyeing plants, preventing further industrial pollution.
The combined efforts of citizen activism, political will, and administrative action are beginning to show promising results for the revival of Buddha Dariya, offering a blueprint for tackling urban water pollution in Punjab.
