Kale Pani Da Morcha Alleges Industrial and PPCB Corruption Behind Punjab’s River Pollution
The organisations leading the “Kale Pani da Morcha” – Naroa Punjab Manch, PAC Mattewara, and Punjab Vatavarn Chetna Lehar held an on-camera discussion about the severe pollution plaguing Punjab’s rivers. The event, held at the confluence of the Buddha Dariya and the Sutlej River, saw participation from notable figures including Punjabi singer Kanwar Grewal.
Kanwar Grewal, visibly moved by the sight of the polluted Buddha Dariya merging with the Sutlej, voiced his concerns: “I really wonder what those polluting this river discuss at home. Can they look their children and grandchildren in the eye and justify poisoning the drinking water of millions for profit?”
Jaskirat Singh of Naroa Punjab Manch highlighted the tragic state of Punjab’s waters, pointing to the collusion between industries and the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). “Whether it’s the liquor factory in Zira or the Buddha Dariya in Ludhiana, both are poisoning Punjab’s waters with the PPCB’s complicity. This unholy nexus must be dismantled to end the pollution.”
Film director Amitoj Mann, anchoring the discussion, noted the stark contrast with global practices: “Huge industries exist worldwide, yet this level of pollution is rare. Even in Tamil Nadu, dye factories have adopted zero liquid discharge technology to prevent river and groundwater contamination.”
Agricultural economist Devinder Sharma criticcised the economic model that indirectly promotes pollution: “Polluting rivers boosts GDP because factories profit, hospitals treat the resulting illnesses, and cleaning contractors get paid. Keeping rivers clean, unfortunately, doesn’t show up in GDP figures. This is a bizarre economic model.”
Bhai Mandhir Singh underscored the personal benefits bureaucrats derive from keeping rivers polluted, while journalist Hamir Singh emphasized grassroots action: “Only the people can solve this issue. Villages should pass resolutions in Gram Sabhas and send them to the government to dismantle this corrupt alliance.”
Professor Manjit Singh of Water Warriors called for an end to the practice of discarding garbage into the Sutlej. Paramjit Singh Ghazi of Sikh Siyasat urged immediate collective action to stop river pollution. Mahinderpal Loomba reported that organizational committees have already been formed in districts like Moga, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Mansa, and Sangrur, with more districts to follow soon.
The activists announced that Kale Pani Da Morcha would organize additional awareness programs across Punjab. These initiatives aim to mobilize maximum public support for the “freedom from pollution” protest march scheduled for August 15, 2024, in Ludhiana. The movement seeks to end the ongoing environmental degradation caused by corruption and industrial collusion.