Protest Over Buddha Dariya Pollution Ends After Administration Agrees to Key Demands, Detained Activists Released
Ludhiana: Following a call by the Kale Pani Da Morcha to clamp down on industrial pollution in the Buddha Dariya, now known as the blackened Buddha Nullah, massive police deployments transformed the city into a fortress on December 3. Despite the heightened security, the Morcha’s campaign to block the CETP (Common Effluent Treatment Plant) outlets of dyeing industries garnered widespread attention and support, while a number of activists and supporters were reportedly detained across the state.
Slogans against the state government echoed along Ferozepur Road, where a large number of people from Punjab and other states, including activist Amitoj Mann, managed to gather despite heavy police presence and blockades. Protesting people accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of Punjab of allegedly shielding polluting industries instead of addressing the environmental crisis.
Organisers alleged that many individuals, including key Morcha members Lakha Sidhana, Dr. Amandeep Singh Bains and Kuldeep Singh Khaira, were detained to suppress the movement. Khaira was taken to Division Number 8 Police Station of Ludhiana. Nihang Singhs who had come to participate in the protest were also detained by the police.
Several women including two minor girls were allegedly detained by the police today. Environmental activist Samita Kaur, who, along with other women, was taken to the Dugri Police Station, shared a post on her social media account stating that two minor children, aged 13 and 14, were also detained by the police. She stated that they were raising the demand for clean air and water but were detained by the police.
Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Balbir Singh Rajewal also participated in the movement today. “The government is using force to silence us rather than acting against industries violating environmental laws,” said Jaskirat Singh, a leading member of the Morcha.
The protesters demanded immediate action to stop the discharge of industrial effluents into Buddha Dariya, which has now turned into a toxic black stream (commonly referred to as Buddha Nullah, merging into the Sutlej River near Walipur Village in Ludhiana district).. “This pollution is causing widespread diseases, even affecting newborns,” Singh added, emphasizing the urgent need to protect Punjab’s water bodies.
The Morcha had urged the public to gather near Verka Milk Plant on Ferozepur Road before marching to plug effluent discharge points on Tajpur Road. The activists stated that despite constitutional orders requiring CETPs to cease discharging effluents into Buddha Dariya, industries continue to pollute unchecked due to the government’s lack of action.
“The entire city has been transformed into a police cantonment to prevent people from participating in the campaign against the discharge of poisonous waters into Buddha Dariya”, remarked one of the members of Kale Pani Da Morcha. “Checkpoints, water cannons, and police barricades are seen at different locations in the city. We urge people to document this crackdown.”
The Morcha reiterated its commitment to peaceful resistance. “This is a fight for future generations,” said Jaskirat Singh. “We do not want any conflict. The police are following the government orders, but the government must realise its responsibility to safeguard constitutional rights and protect our environment.”
Despite the crackdown, the activists remained steadfast, vowing to continue their campaign until effective measures are taken to restore the health of Buddha Dariya and prevent further pollution of Punjab’s rivers.
“Where are the politicians now? The highly polluted Buddha Dariya has long been a major issue during Vidhan Sabha, Lok Sabha, and municipal elections. During the previous Congress government’s tenure, the opposition AAP leaders famously filled cans and bottles with the blackened water of Buddha Nullah to present to the then Chief Minister, MLAs, and MPs. Now that the AAP is in power, I ask—where are those leaders now? What have they done to prevent pollution in Buddha Dariya? When a large number of people stepped out of their homes to raise their voices against pollution, the politicians were nowhere to be seen, while many supporters of Kale Pani Da Morcha were detained,” said Sukhwinder Singh, a protestor.
Another protester questioned why representatives of the dyeing industries, who called their factory workers to oppose the Morcha’s action, were not detained. He alleged the government is sparing those responsible for polluting Buddha Dariya.
The representatives of dyeing industries had earlier refuted the allegations levelled by the Kale Pani Da Morcha.
Meanwhile, a senior police officer stated that the authorities had implemented necessary measures to maintain law and order.
“PPCB to Shut 15 MLD CETP in Ludhiana in Two Days, Others Under Legal Review“
In the evening, the administration and Morcha representatives successfully concluded discussions on the matter. Following this, officials announced the release of the detained individuals.
Amarjit Singh Bains, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), Ludhiana, stated that the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) had assured the closure of a 15 MLD CETP plant at Tajpur Road within two days. Decisions concerning two other CETPs would be made after a legal review within seven days.
Subsequently, the Morcha members announced to lift the dharna.
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