Governor reviews Buddha Dariya cleanup in Ludhiana, calls for collective action

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria today visited Ludhiana to assess the progress of the Buddha Dariya rejuvenation project.

He met with representatives from various departments, including the Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana, Rural Development and Panchayats, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), and the Irrigation Sewerage Board, among others. This review follows his visit on January 25, this year.

Key attendees at the meeting included Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal and other officials.

During the meeting, the Governor emphasised the necessity of collective efforts to clean the Dariya and suggested dividing the 14-kilometer stretch into segments to expedite the cleaning process. He highlighted the importance of engaging the public to ensure the speedy rejuvenation of the Buddha Dariya and to protect the Sutlej from effluents.

Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal announced that the administration has planned to involve industries and business establishments in de-silting efforts under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

He also mentioned the construction of five Seechewal Model ponds to treat sewage and use it for irrigation. Additionally, discussions are on-going with three villages regarding the establishment of ponds using this technology. Jorwal informed that a team from PPCB, the Municipal Corporation, PSPCL, and the Dairy departments has been assembled to inspect dairies in Tajpur and Haibowal for illegal electricity connections and other violations.

Municipal Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal provided the Governor with an update on the efforts to eliminate the illegal dumping of cow dung into the Buddha Dariya. The Municipal Corporation has accelerated efforts to collect cow dung from all dairies, and the capacity of biogas plants is being increased.

He also mentioned that authorities are taking action against dairies that continue to dump cow dung into the Dariya. Regular desilting operations and measures against illegal encroachments are also underway.

The Governor announced the allocation of Rs 19 lakh for laying a 3.5 km sewerage pipeline in Tajpur. Additionally, Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal pledged Rs 19 lakh for the same project.

Later, the Governor visited the 2.25 MLD effluent treatment plant at the Tajpur Road dairy complex, which was set up to treat dairy waste. He inspected its operations, instructed officials to ensure its efficiency, and checked the outlet point to prevent untreated waste from entering the Buddha Dariya.