Ludhiana Dairy Farmers Grapple with Mounting Cow Dung Crisis on Tajpur Road
The lanes of the Tajpur Road dairy complex in Ludhiana remain heavily caked with cow dung, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the future of local dairy farmers. These hapless farmers have highlighted that the Municipal Corporation (MC) has initiated cow dung lifting operations exclusively at the Haibowal dairy complex, where a bio CNG plant is operational, while neglecting the Tajpur Road facility.
Absence of Waste Disposal Infrastructure
Farmers expressed frustration over the lack of a bio CNG plant at Tajpur Road, leaving them with no clear destination for disposing of cow dung waste. This logistical gap has exacerbated sanitation issues, with the area becoming choked with dung. Consequently, cattle are struggling to access green feed, compounding the farmers' woes.
Escalating Costs and Operational Hurdles
The situation has led to increased operational costs. Workers delivering cattle feed in trolleys are forced to park their vehicles on the main road and navigate filthy lanes on foot. As a result, they have raised their charges significantly. Previously, farmers paid Rs 11 for 40kg of feed, but now they must shell out Rs 25. Members of the dairy farmers' association emphasized the importance of providing calcium-rich green fodder to cattle this season, but poor street conditions have made unloading feed from trolleys a challenging task.
Persistent Pleas and Official Inaction
Despite repeated appeals to authorities, the dairy farmers' concerns have gone unaddressed. Association president Lovely Singh pointed out that while effluent treatment plants (ETPs) were installed at both dairy complexes, the failure to set up a bio CNG plant on Tajpur Road means solid cow dung waste cannot be effectively processed. Singh warned that if no action is taken, dairy farmers will stage protests to demand resolution.
Municipal Corporation's Response and Future Plans
A senior MC official, speaking anonymously, explained that the Haibowal dairy complex was prioritized to streamline operations at one location before expanding to others. The official assured that work on Tajpur Road would commence within a few days, aiming to address the backlog.
Questions Over Cow Dung Lifting Costs
Recently, the MC hired an agency to lift cow dung from dairy complexes, paying Rs 650 per tonne to the contractor. This rate is notably higher than the Rs 425 per tonne charged for lifting garbage from other parts of the city. Critics are questioning why the MC is spending more on cow dung waste removal, especially when Haibowal already has a bio CNG plant that processes half of the dung.
Decade-Long Wait for Bio CNG Plant
The wait for a bio CNG plant on Tajpur Road has stretched over ten years. Initially, during the Congress government's tenure, the Buddha Dariya rejuvenation project included plans to relocate dairy complexes outside city limits to prevent waste from polluting the waterway. However, this plan was abandoned, and authorities opted to construct ETPs instead.
ETP Limitations and Environmental Impact
Unfortunately, the ETPs are failing to fulfill their purpose due to the absence of bio CNG plants. While Haibowal has one operational plant and another proposed, construction delays persist. In the meantime, solid cow dung is reaching the treatment plants, damaging machinery and hindering effective waste management.
Ongoing Pollution and Public Health Concerns
From 2024 to 2026, persistent dumping and treatment failures have led to the pollution of Buddha Dariya. Complaints about clogged sewers and drains are rampant, with effluent treatment plants unable to cope with the influx of solid cow dung and wastewater. This has resulted in street flooding and raised public health alarms, prompting farmer protests and repeated inspections by officials.
Sanitation Initiatives and Tender Allocations
In response, a tender for lifting cow dung, worth Rs 22.50 crore, has been awarded to a private firm. However, the effectiveness of this measure remains to be seen as dairy complexes continue to struggle with waste treatment and disposal, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to safeguard both the environment and the livelihoods of Ludhiana's dairy farmers.
