Activists Allege Administration Unconcerned as Pollution Nexus in Sutlej River Worsens, Urge Strict Enforcement
Ludhiana, December 22: Green activists assembled today at the Bhattian STPs and the confluence point of the Bhattian Drain and the Sutlej River, highlighting the worsening pollution crisis. The pollution crisis impacting the Buddha Dariya (Buddha Nullah), Bhattian Drain and River Sutlej has become an urgent environmental issue that continues to deteriorate despite ongoing efforts for its resolution.
The Public Action Committee (PAC), spearheading the Buddha Dariya Project (BDP-7), shared alarming findings during Phase-1 of their campaign to combat water pollution.
Overburdened STPs Failing to Deliver
Environmental activist Col CM Lakhanpal (Retd) stated that the Bhattian STPs, designed to handle a combined capacity of 161 million liters per day (MLD), are currently treating over 175 MLD of wastewater. The excess load has resulted in untreated sewage being discharged directly into the Sutlej River through underground pipelines and open drains near Kassabad village. Activists reported foul-smelling water with visible contaminants, described as “Kalapani,” flowing from two pipelines.
Illegal Diversions and New Pollutants
In addition to the STPs, activists claimed that polluted water is being diverted by illegal sand-mining operations. Sand bunds are redirecting wastewater to alternative confluence points in the Sutlej, creating additional pollution hotspots.
Further inspections revealed pinkish-brown frothy water flowing from the Rahon Road area, suspected to originate from industrial units near Gaunsgarh. These discharges are believed to include untreated effluents from dyeing, electroplating, and other industries operating along the Rahon Road corridor, activists said.
Industrial Violations Persist
“Despite regulations enforced by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and the Municipal Corporation Ludhiana (MCL), industries continue to flout environmental norms. Many units, including dyeing, hosiery, and paper mills, are accused of bypassing treatment systems and discharging effluents directly into water bodies,” the activists alleged.
Action Demanded
Social activist Mahinder Singh Sekhon, leading the PAC team, criticized the authorities for their failure to enforce pollution control measures. Sekhon called for the immediate implementation of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems and stricter monitoring of industrial activities.
“The ongoing pollution is not just an environmental issue but a public health crisis. The administration must act decisively to enforce laws and hold violators accountable,” said Sekhon.
The PAC has announced Phase-2 of BDP-7, which will focus on mobilizing public participation, raising awareness, and holding polluters accountable. The committee urged citizens to join their efforts to protect the Buddha Darya, the Sutlej River, and groundwater resources from further degradation.
Environmentalists have reiterated that without urgent intervention, the pollution crisis will continue to escalate, threatening the region’s water security and ecosystem.
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