Cleanliness drive underway, families mourn in silence amid sludge

Following intense rainfall, toxic water from the Buddha Nullah overflowed into multiple residential colonies, flooding homes, choking streets and leaving behind a thick layer of chemical-laced sludge on Tuesday. Now, the water has receded from houses but the damage remains etched across roads, drains and in residents' memories.

A grim scene has unfolded in colonies such as Dhoka Mohalla, Dharampura, Shivaji Nagar, Kashmir Nagar, Maharaj Nagar and Kundanpuri, where black water surged through narrow lanes, carrying untreated effluents from dyeing and other industries. The colonies turned into black rivers — chemical-laden, foul-smelling and dangerous water.

Municipal teams are now attempting clean-up, clearing drains and removing sludge off the streets. But the residue remains thick and hazardous. Locals gathered in silence, watching the black water swirl around their homes. Some tried to salvage belongings with the help of buckets and mops. Others simply stood stunned.

Residents say their belongings have been ruined beyond repair. Washing machines, refrigerators and other household essentials have gone defunct after being submerged in toxic floodwater. Families now face the daunting task of starting life afresh — replacing everything from furniture to food supplies, without knowing where the money will come from. For many, the financial burden feels insurmountable. “We’re not cleaning up sludge but rebuilding from scratch, with empty pockets,” a resident said.

The worst kind of suffering was faced by families who lost their loved ones and were unable to reach the cremation ground on the gaushala road. “Around five persons died in the area. Their bodies remained at homes for days as the families couldn’t step out. They were cremated only on Tuesday and Wednesday after the water receded in the area,” said a local potter, adding that pots were bought late for rituals.

“My school and college certificates got wet and tore apart. I lost my hard work of years. Duplicate certificates won’t make up for originals,” said Preeti, a resident of Dhoka Mohalla.

“Every time it rains heavily, this is what we face,” said Shammi Rani, adding that “We recently got our daughter married. Expensive clothes and dry fruits were lying in the house, everything got damaged.”

Jaswinder Singh, who runs a cloth business, said his raw material worth Rs 5 lakh was destroyed.

“Who will pay the price? We are living in hell-like conditions due to the Buddha Nullah.”

Ludhiana Central MLA Ashok Prashar, who reached Dhoka Mohalla, called it a natural disaster. He was leading the cleaning drive and arranging vegetables for affected families. He assured residents that the nullah would be covered and said the Deputy Commissioner would visit the place on Thursday.

Compensation has been promised and the MLA promised to provide a permanent solution to the problem.

Residents share their plight

“There was water till the waist level. It became impossible to stay here. My all cloths got ruined,” said Surjit, a resident.

Shanti Devi said: “All our belongings are destroyed. Important papers got soiled. The entire ration and grocery also damaged. Politicians only come to see us, they don’t take action.”

“I’ve lived in the area for seven years. Nothing has improved. We don’t belong here but we stay due to work,” says Sujata.

Dilshad said: “Politicians come only during elections or after everything is destroyed. We need a proper solution.”

“We’ve been hearing for years that the nullah will be covered. But here we are, still standing before the uncovered drain. We’ve lost all hope,” MD Matin said.