Buddha Nullah a toxic story of industrialisation

Buddha nullah, once a pristine tributary of the Sutlej river, has endured a slow and painful decline for over 50 years. Flowing through Ludhiana, Punjab's industrial heartland, it is now an infamous toxic drain. It carries untreated industrial waste, urban sewage and agricultural runoff. The drain symbolises the environmental costs of industrialisation and urban expansion, coupled with human negligence.

Yet, despite the grim reality, a glimmer of hope persists. Restoration efforts, though challenging, offer the promise of renewal and resilience, provided they are supported by bureaucratic efficiency, political will and community participation.

In its prime, Buddha Nullah was a lifeline for the region. Its clear waters nourished aquatic ecosystems, supported agriculture and contributed to the livelihoods of local farmers and businesses. However, it began declining as Ludhiana saw rapid industrialisation. Factories proliferated along the waterway, discharging untreated effluents. Domestic sewage, agricultural runoff and unchecked growth of dairies along its banks compounded the pollution. The effluents overwhelmed the nullah's natural ability to purify itself. Over time, it could no longer support the communities that once thrived along its banks.

Buddha Nullah’s deterioration to a toxic drain has impacted the quality of life of the locals. Children contend with harmful fumes, exacerbating respiratory issues. Adults face chronic illnesses like skin diseases and gastrointestinal disorders directly linked to the polluted water.

Fishing communities have abandoned their trade as aquatic life has vanished. The toxic water has not only deprived these communities of their livelihoods but also poses a broader public health crisis.

Statistics paint a troubling picture. The health authorities have reported that respiratory diseases are 40 per cent more prevalent in areas near the nullah as compared to the unaffected regions. A 2022 study by Punjab Agricultural University revealed alarmingly high levels of heavy metals like lead and chromium in the water, far exceeding the safe limits. These pollutants have seeped into the groundwater, further compromising public health.

The polluted waters also contaminate the Sutlej river and Harike reservoir downstream. Being the vital sources of water for both Punjab and Rajasthan, the issue has strained inter-state water relations.

Efforts to restore the nullah have been sporadic and riddled with challenges. Early attempts in the 1980s focused on awareness and monitoring industrial waste, but they lacked enforcement mechanisms. In the 1990s, industries were mandated to install effluent treatment plants (ETPs), but compliance was inconsistent, with many ETPs remaining dysfunctional. Bioremediation was also attempted, but success remained elusive.

Recent initiatives, such as the Buddha Nullah Rejuvenation Project and installation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) during 2018-2022, have been undermined by funding delays, poor enforcement and resistance to the removal of encroachments. The lack of coordination between government bodies and civil society organisations has further hindered progress, leaving the pollution and its impacts largely uncontained.

The judicial interventions sought by environmentalists have been limited to ad hoc measures for a persistent problem. Deeper thought and innovative solutions for a durable impact are needed.

Achieving meaningful progress requires a combination of policy reforms, technological innovation and active community engagement. The following strategies can help improve the situation.

Stricter regulations are essential to enforce industrial compliance with environmental standards. Robust monitoring of industrial discharge and heavy penalties for non-compliance are crucial. A dedicated task force should oversee the implementation of these regulations, holding the polluting industries accountable.

Relocating the most harmful industries to designated zones, supported by incentives, could mitigate environmental risks. Such incentives should be comparable with those offered to the new industries and those which move to safer places may also be allowed to make commercial capital out of their present premises.

Comprehensive policy reforms must prioritise the tributary’s health with clear goals and timelines while ensuring that livelihoods are protected.

Expanding and updating treatment infrastructure is critical. Increasing the number of STPs and common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) will reduce the influx of untreated waste into the nullah. Real-time monitoring can ensure industrial effluents are treated before discharge. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping can identify pollution hotspots, allowing targeted interventions.

Community engagement is also vital for successful restoration efforts. Educating residents about waste segregation and proper disposal methods can reduce domestic garbage dumping into the nullah. Cleanliness campaigns involving local participation can remove pollutants and foster a collective sense of responsibility. Grassroots initiatives can transform public attitudes and promote environmentally responsible behaviour. It will be in the interest of the industry to actively associate itself in such endeavours. A clean environment in Ludhiana may attract more industrial consumers.

International examples offer valuable lessons. The Thames river in the UK, once known as "The Great Stink", was revitalised through sustained political will, heavy investment and implementation of strict environmental laws. The Rhine in Europe underwent a transformation due to coordinated global efforts. Similarly, the Ganga Action Plan has demonstrated the effectiveness of community involvement and public-private partnership. These examples demonstrate that with a committed, multifaceted approach, Buddha Nullah can also be restored.

Restoring it is not merely an environmental endeavour; it is a chance to create a legacy of resilience and collective action. A revitalised tributary can once again sustain vibrant aquatic ecosystems and provide clean water for the local communities.

The future of Buddha Nullah, thus, lies in the hands of the government, industries and local communities. Together, they can restore it to its former glory. Even the most polluted waterways can be revived with determination and collaboration. Punjab and Punjabis can do it for sure.