Identify Buddha Dhaula pollution sources in 15 days, PAC demands time-bound action

To make Ludhiana's Buddha Dhaula pollution-free, the Public Action Committee (PAC) has demanded the implementation of a time-bound plan from the Punjab government. The organisation stated that the 10-member panel formed under the supervision of Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal should not remain merely a paperwork exercise, and solid results must be seen on the ground.

PAC member Col CM Lakhanpal (Retd) said that this is a great opportunity to tackle this long-standing crisis. According to him, the panel's suggestions must be backed by technical experts' opinions, the support of the government machinery, and a fixed timeline.

Environmental activists say that even after about four and a half years, no permanent solution has emerged. The city's sewage, chemical water from factories, and waste from dairies continue to be discharged untreated into the drain and the Sutlej River. The organisation demanded equal investigation of all pollution sources instead of selective action.

The PAC has demanded that illegal discharge points be shut down immediately. Along with this, the functioning of CETPs, STPs, and dairy treatment plants should be investigated by an impartial entity, and transparent monitoring of toxic elements should be ensured.

The organisation also appealed to make public the study conducted by the Union Environment Ministry's committee and the Rs 1.5 crore study by IIT Ropar. They said that Charanjit Kanwal Drain, Buddha Dhaula, Sutlej River, and groundwater should be considered a single system and a joint plan should be prepared.

The PAC suggested to the government that a complete blueprint be submitted before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) hearing on January 5, 2027. They demanded that pollution sources be identified in 15 days, rules be formulated in 30 days, illegal discharges be stopped in 90 days, and water quality should improve within six months. Col Lakhanpal emphasised that real success will be measured by the improvement in water quality, not by meetings.

Earlier on Saturday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann held a meeting with administrative officials and appointed Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal as the head of the panel formed for the rejuvenation of the drain, directing him to submit a report within 15 days.

Key developments

• PAC demanded the identification of sources polluting Buddha Dhaula within 15 days.
• The organisation stated that the new panel headed by Seechewal should not be limited to paperwork.
• Demand raised to stop illegal discharge and conduct an impartial audit of treatment plants.
• Appeal made to make public the studies by the Union Ministry and IIT Ropar.