Buddha Nullah Kar Seva's 1st anniversary marks progress in rejuvenating waterbody
The first anniversary of the Kar Seva for the rejuvenation of Buddha Nullah was marked with a special event at Gurdwara Gau Ghat. On this occasion, environmentalist and Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal shared insights into the progress made since the initiative’s launch.
Reflecting on the first phase of the Kar Seva, which began on February 2 last year, Seechewal highlighted the planting of over 11,000 trees along the banks and the construction of pathways on both sides of the water body.
He also emphasised the commencement of the second phase of the initiative, which began on December 22, at Gurdwara Gau Ghat. This phase focused on halting the discharge of sewage into the river. Seechewal said a long-awaited pumping station had been temporarily activated near the gurdwara to prevent the flow of approximately 60 MLD of untreated wastewater into the nullah. Additionally, measures were implemented to stop the disposal of waste from nearby dairies into the river.
To further enhance the cleanliness of the Buddha Dariya, the Seechewal model is being established in seven villages along the riverbanks to prevent the inflow of contaminated water. Seechewal expressed optimism, stating that the construction of ghats along the water body had rekindled hope among the locals that soon it would have clean water.
In his address, Seechewal remarked that February 2 was a significant day, as it coincides with World Wetlands Day, which was observed globally to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance. He stressed the need to protect these vital water bodies, which were increasingly under threat.
Seechewal further acknowledged the sacredness of Buddha Dariya, pointing out that it was historically blessed by the footsteps of Guru Nanak Dev. He emphasised that Guru Nanak’s teachings called for the preservation of water, air, and land for the welfare of all. Seechewal lamented that the water body, once revered, had now been reduced to a drain, with many referring to it as Buddha Nullah. He called for restoring the river’s original name and promised to halt the discharge of polluted and toxic water into it, deeming such actions illegal.
As part of the ongoing efforts, Seechewal said that new bathing ghats were being constructed along the riverbanks. He urged officials from the Punjab Pollution Control Board and the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation to take strict action against those discharging harmful waste into the river.
Seechewal called for collective action, urging everyone to rise above political differences and work together to save Punjab’s rivers and natural resources for future generations.