Activists Call for Urgent Measures to Address Escalating Crisis
December 29, Ludhiana: Members of the Public Action Committee (PAC) conducted an unannounced inspection of Tajpur’s discharge points on Friday, uncovering alarming levels of untreated and partially treated industrial and dairy effluents being discharged into the Buddha Dariya.
Colonel CM Lakhanpal (Retd), a member of PAC for Mattewara Forest, River Sutlej, and Buddha Dariya, Ludhiana, stated that the operation aimed to expose the ground realities in Tajpur and Focal Point areas, where industrial units and dairies have been under scrutiny for polluting the river. Despite continuous monitoring by MP Balbir Singh Seechewal’s team, the situation remains critical, he said.
“The stench was overpowering, and the sight of smoke and colored wastewater flowing into the Buddha Dariya was disturbing,” said Colonel Lakhanpal. “The conditions were so unbearable that our team couldn’t stay at the site for long.”
Adding to their concerns, a surveillance setup with cameras was discovered near the discharge points, reportedly monitoring the movement of individuals approaching the area.
“One of the most troubling findings was the 225 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) near Central Jail, which was observed discharging colored water into the Buddha Dariya. The incident occurred just before a scheduled visit by a Punjab cabinet minister and a Rajya Sabha MP, suggesting the direct flow of untreated industrial effluents into sewer lines”, the environmental activists said.
“The area around the discharge points remains heavily polluted, with industrial chimneys emitting harmful gases and smoke that exacerbate air pollution and reduce visibility. Efforts to clean and widen the Buddha Dariya stretch between Khassi Kalan and Khurad have been undermined by the continuous dumping of untreated waste.”
The inspection, led by PAC members Mahinder Singh Sekhon, Dan Singh Osahan, Manjinder Singh, and others, revealed the grim reality of the Buddha Dariya’s condition.
“The findings make it clear that immediate and decisive action is needed to save the river,” said Colonel Lakhanpal. “The current state of affairs is a stark reminder that we cannot afford to delay any longer.”
Industrial effluents, sewage, dairy waste, and other types of waste have been dumped into the Buddha Dariya for decades.
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