Outrage in Ludhiana: Activists Slam Administration and Dyeing Industry for Flagrant NGT Order Violations

Ludhiana, the industrial heartland of Punjab, is once again at the epicentre of a fierce environmental battle. A coalition of impassioned activists has launched a scathing attack on both the local administration and the influential dyeing industry, accusing them of a blatant disregard for National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders specifically designed to staunch the flow of pollution into the city's notorious 'Buddha Nullah' (Buddha Drain).

For years, the Buddha Nullah has been a tragic testament to unchecked industrial expansion, transforming from a seasonal stream into a toxic conduit of untreated waste.

The NGT, in its role as a custodian of environmental justice, had issued stringent directives and set clear deadlines for the treatment of industrial effluents, particularly from the numerous dyeing units that form the backbone of Ludhiana's economy. These orders were a beacon of hope, promising a cleaner, healthier future for the city and its waterways.

However, according to the outraged activists, these hopes have been systematically dashed.

They allege that despite the NGT's unequivocal mandates, a significant portion of industrial discharge—either entirely untreated or inadequately processed—continues to be shamelessly dumped into the Buddha Nullah. "It's an open secret," declared a prominent activist, "that the common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) are either operating below capacity, inefficiently, or some units are simply bypassing them altogether.

The result is a putrid stream that chokes life and poses a severe health hazard to thousands."

The accusations don't stop at the industry's doorstep. The activists contend that the local administration has been shockingly lax in its enforcement duties. They claim a glaring absence of rigorous monitoring, regular inspections, and punitive action against repeat offenders.

This perceived inaction has fostered an environment where environmental norms are treated as mere suggestions rather than binding legal obligations. "Where is the accountability?" demanded another activist during a recent press briefing. "The NGT's orders are clear, yet the administration appears to be turning a blind eye, allowing this environmental catastrophe to continue unabated."

The consequences of this alleged non-compliance are dire and far-reaching.

The unchecked pollution of the Buddha Nullah not only devastates aquatic ecosystems but also contaminates groundwater, impacting the health and livelihoods of communities downstream. Reports of skin ailments, respiratory issues, and other health complications among residents living near the drain are grim reminders of the human cost of environmental neglect.

Activists are now intensifying their demands for immediate and decisive action.

They are calling for an independent audit of all CETPs, real-time monitoring of effluent discharge, and stringent penalties for any industry found to be violating NGT norms. Furthermore, they insist that administrative officials responsible for overseeing compliance must be held accountable for any failures.

The message is unequivocal: the time for excuses is over. Ludhiana's environment, and the health of its citizens, cannot afford further delay. The battle for the Buddha Nullah continues, with activists vowing to fight until environmental justice prevails.