Khaira for ‘environment emergency’

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 19

Accusing the state government of ignoring the problem of pollution in rivers and other water bodies, Leader of the Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Saturday asked the government to declare an “environment emergency” in the state. Khaira visited Walipur Kalan village in Ludhiana district where the highly polluted the Buddha Nullah meets the Sutlej. When Khaira reached the village, people from nearby areas told him about the menace of hepatitis due to the polluted water of the Buddha Nullah. “The Buddha Nullah contains untreated chemicals which are released into the Sutlej. Even the waste generated by hospitals is dumped into the nullah. Around 7.50 lakh litres of water is released into the Sutlej from the nullah every day. The Punjab government is playing havoc with the nature,” Khaira said.

“People are suffering from hepatitis and cancer due to the polluted water. Villagers from the affected areas told me they had lost up to 10 family members due to hepatitis. The cattle are falling ill too,” Khaira said. “Captain Amarinder Singh claims to be the protector of Punjab’s waters but he has done nothing to save Punjab from getting polluted. The Chief Minister went to Manali on a vacation instead of paying attention towards polluted water channels. Now, I will move the National Green Tribunal, ” he said.

The government should call the Assembly session as there is an emergency-like situation. It is the responsibility of the government to stop pollution in rivers, canals and drains of the state,” he added.

"Though the water was stinking, people were seen collecting the dead fish. They later complained of diarrhoea and vomiting." — Ram Prasad, labourer, Faridkot

SAD demands judicial probe

Chandigarh: The SAD on Saturday condemned the massive damage to the environment and aquatic life due to discharge of molasses into the Beas by the family of Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh’s “religious adviser” Paramjit Singh Sarna and demanded a judicial probe into the entire incident. In a statement here, SAD secretary general Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said the callous attitude of the mill owners had played havoc with the aquatic life in Punjab. TNS