Buddha Nullah Task Force member writes to Punjab CM

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 21

As work to release 200 cusecs of fresh water into the Buddha Nullah through the Neelon drain of the Sirhind canal is to be started tomorrow, a member of the Buddha Nullah Task Force has written to the Chief Minister.

Sharing his concern, Col (retd) Jasjit Singh Gill suggested that the Rejuvenation of Buddha Nullah Project must be completed before releasing the fresh water.

“Tomorrow, 200 cusecs of water will be released into the Buddha Nullah for achieving one-time dilution of polluted water and flushing out majority of it. Actually the Rs 650-crore project (to rejuvenate the nullah) has changed nothing on ground, other than three CETPs getting commissioned (which are not part of the Rs 650-crore project). Sewage from 14 MC sewer outlets, dairy waste and above all tonnes of floating solid waste still remain in the Buddha Nullah,” he stated.

The retired Colonel said, “This waste, which was to go into the Sutlej at a very slow pace otherwise, will be flushed into the river in one go if 200 cusecs of water is released now. The water will take millions of litres of dyeing industry chemicals in one go to the Harike bird sanctuary. It will affect the aquatic life, whatever of it is left in the Sutlej. It will take sewage, carrying millions of bacteria, to many drinking water sources emanating from the Sutlej in Punjab and Rajasthan.”

“Before releasing fresh water into the Buddha Nullah, the rejuvenation project should be completed and functioning of all CETPs should be ensured. No dairy or sewage waste should flow into the Sutlej. Water from dyeing and electroplating industry should be tapped and treated, which will happen only when CETPs function properly,” Gill added.

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