‘Kale Pani Da Morcha’ Calls for Urgent Action to Stop River Pollution: Protestors Warn of Consequences
Activists, Farmers Unite in Ludhiana to Combat River Pollution Crisis
With successive governments failing to protect the Buddha Dariya and Sutlej waters from severe pollution, a significant number of people, including members of farmer and labour organizations, activists, and environmental groups, gathered in Ludhiana on Saturday to participate in a campaign named “Kale Pani Da Morcha”. The protest was organized to raise awareness and demand urgent government action to safeguard the environment and protect Punjab’s rivers from further contamination.
The protest march highlighted the dire situation of the Buddha Dariya, which is heavily polluted within Ludhiana city and merges into the Sutlej River near Walipur in Ludhiana district. Protesters expressed grave concern over the continuous degradation of these vital water bodies.
Environmental activists emphasized the fundamental importance of water, stating, “Water is essential for life, and our Gurus have honored it by likening it to a father, acknowledging its role in sustaining all living beings. The Constitution of India grants every citizen the right to life, which includes access to clean water and air.” One of the activists said, “For the past four decades, Punjab’s rivers and groundwater have been contaminated with toxic effluents. The people of Punjab are forced to consume this poisoned water, leading to widespread suffering from cancer, hepatitis C, and other serious illnesses. This is a calculated act of genocide against Punjab, enabled by the government’s deliberate negligence.”
The protesters criticized the current political party in power in Punjab, noting that the issue of water pollution was a significant part of their pre-election campaign. “Their silence now is both surprising and unfortunate,” they said. The protesters demanded immediate action, warning that if the government fails to shut down illegal industries and take substantial steps to halt the pollution of the Sutlej and other rivers within the next two weeks, they would have no choice but to proceed with the planned action on September 15, 2024. They added that the full responsibility for any consequences would rest with the Punjab government.
The Kale Pani Da Morcha team also stated that they are consulting with all supporting organizations and will plan the next action accordingly.
Among those who participated in the protest were farmer organization leaders, including Dr. Darshan Pal from SKM, Balbir Singh Rajewal from BKU Rajewal, Baldev Singh Sirsa, Manjit Singh Dhaner, Dilbagh Singh, Manjit Ray, Satnam Singh Pannu, and Baldev Zira.
Eminent personalities such as Dr. Davinder Sharma, Hamir Singh, and Advocate Jaswinder Singh from Akal Purakh Ki Fauj were also present.
Representatives from the ‘Kale Pani Da Morcha’ included Jaskirat Singh Naroa from Punjab Manch, PAC Mattewara’s Engineer Kapil Arora, Dr. Amandeep Singh Bains, Kuldeep Singh Khahira, film artist Amitoj Mann, activist Lakha Singh Sidhana, Mahinder Pal Lumba from the Punjab Environment Awareness Movement, and Daler Singh Dod and Maghar Singh from Naroa Punjab Manch.
