The seasonal rivulets flowing through Chandigarh present a disturbing picture of environmental neglect, with visibly polluted water turning stomachs and exposing official claims about their pristine condition as false.
Festering Waters at City Borders
At the boundary between Chandigarh and Mohali district, where three seasonal streams called choes exit the city, the reality of water pollution becomes undeniable. The Sukhna choe, Patiala Ki Rao and N-choe - all described by authorities as being in clean condition - actually carry dark, foul-smelling water that appears heavily contaminated.
The situation is particularly severe in the upstream area of Sukhna Choe near Zirakpur's Baltana area, where an offensive smell emanates from the vile-looking water. Conditions deteriorate further downstream in Baltana, where the choe becomes choked with garbage piles.
Pollution Spreads Across City
This environmental crisis isn't limited to peripheral areas. Recently, the N-choe stretch passing through Hibiscus Garden in Sector 36 was filled with reeking sewage water. When officials from the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee visited the site after the issue was flagged, the sewage discharge temporarily stopped but resumed after a few days.
Similarly, leachate has been observed flowing into Patiala Ki Rao near Dadumajra. The volume of dark, pungent water increases significantly in N-choe as it exits Chandigarh and enters Mohali. Though Patiala Ki Rao had less water flow during the reporter's visit, its condition remains similarly concerning.
Authorities in Denial Mode
Environmentalist L R Budhania strongly criticized the administration's response. The administration and municipal corporation claim that there is no sewage or untreated water flowing in the choes but it is obvious that this is not the case, he stated.
Budhania emphasized that the visibly polluted water - dark colored, foul smelling and viscous in places - underscores the severity of the problem. He demanded that authorities immediately fix responsibility on officials who have failed to stop pollution instead of denying ground reality.
Authorities in Chandigarh cannot shrug off their responsibility and blame the neighbouring state for the pollution because the polluted water is coming from Chandigarh, the environmentalist asserted.
Repeat Offenses Despite NGT Monitoring
The pollution problem has persisted over time with little improvement. Last year, garbage was dumped into Sukhna choe in Industrial Area Phase-I. In March, CPCC issued a show cause notice to the Municipal Corporation regarding pollution in N-choe.
These violations occur despite the National Green Tribunal monitoring pollution in Chandigarh's seasonal rivulets and issuing multiple directions to both the Chandigarh administration and Municipal Corporation to stop the contamination. The release of sewage into these water bodies directly violates NGT directives.
