Ludhiana's Crying River: Activists Demand Immediate Halt to Buddha Nullah Pollution

It's a tragic irony, isn't it? The Buddha Nullah, once a life-giving stream in Ludhiana, has sadly morphed into little more than an open sewer, a stark and disheartening symbol of environmental neglect. Now, a chorus of concerned voices, particularly from dedicated environmental activists, are making a fervent, almost desperate appeal to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to finally put an end to the relentless, toxic flow of untreated waste into this once-vital waterway. Frankly, it's high time.

This isn't some newfound crisis; indeed, it's a long-standing scar on Ludhiana's conscience. Despite numerous directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and even a much-touted 'Rejuvenation of Buddha Nullah' project, the grim reality persists. The nullah continues to choke under the weight of domestic sewage and industrial effluents. One can't help but wonder if these efforts, though well-intentioned, have truly translated into the decisive action so desperately needed on the ground.

Among those leading the charge is the Council of Engineers, whose Chairman, Kapil Arora, didn't mince words when addressing the PPCB. Their core demand is straightforward: halt the discharge of all untreated water immediately. They're not just pointing fingers, though; they're offering solutions, too. Arora emphasized the critical need for all Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to operate at their full, designed capacity, ensuring that what goes into the nullah is actually treated. It's a fundamental step, really, and one that seems to have been consistently overlooked.

Adding weight to this appeal is renowned farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal, who highlighted a crucial point: the 'rejuvenation project' seems to have inadvertently created an even bigger issue. The existing 225-MLD STP at Jamalpur is now handling nearly double its capacity – 400 MLD – with the excess flowing directly into the nullah, often untreated or inadequately treated. This, he rightly argues, completely defeats the purpose of 'rejuvenation.' Furthermore, activists are demanding strict legal action against industries and the Municipal Corporation (MC) if they're found to be discharging waste illegally. And for good measure, they insist that local residents be involved in ongoing monitoring efforts, because who better to keep an eye on things?

The consequences of this prolonged neglect are truly horrifying and stretch far beyond Ludhiana's city limits. Communities downstream, especially in Rajasthan, are grappling with severe health issues, including alarming rates of cancer and skin diseases. The contaminated water infiltrates the groundwater, poisoning wells and rendering agricultural land infertile. Farmers, whose livelihoods depend on clean water, are facing ruin. It's not just an environmental issue; it's a profound public health and economic disaster.

Ultimately, this isn't just about cleaning a drain; it's about reclaiming a vital natural resource, protecting human health, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship. The activists' message is clear, urgent, and resonant: the time for half-measures and delays is over. The Buddha Nullah, and the communities it affects, deserve immediate, decisive, and sustained action from the PPCB and the state government to stem this tide of pollution once and for all.