Pollution in Buddha Dariya: Submit daily action-taken report, minister tells pollution board

Local Bodies Minister Ravjot Singh has asked the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to submit a daily report on the action taken against those responsible for polluting the Buddha Dariya in Ludhiana.

The minister had come to meet Rajya Sabha MP and environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal at Gau Ghar, where a temporary pumping station has been established by the latter to stop the direct discharge of untreated waste into the dariya. During his visit to the city on Saturday, the minister directed PPCB officials to provide a daily report on the action taken against those polluting the nullah.

PPCB Chief Engineer RK Ratra claimed that they had recommended disconnection of power connections of defaulters.

The minister stated that he would personally ensure that action was taken against defaulters and he would pressure Powercom officials to take immediate action.

Around 700 tonnes of cow dung are discharged into the dariya daily and some dairy units’ waste is also entering STPs through the sewer system.

Dr Ravjot instructed MC officials to hold a meeting with dairy unit operators on Tajpur Road and Haibowal Dairy Complex next week to prevent dairy discharge from entering sewerage and the dariya. He also directed the Commissioner to take action against illegal slaughterhouses.

PPCB Chief Engineer RK Ratra claimed that environmental engineers were monitoring dyeing and electroplating units at night.

Some units were caught bypassing the discharge norms during a joint operation by the PPCB and the corporation. Two major dyeing units were caught and a decision to shut them down will be made at the chairman’s level.

Seechewal pulled up the MC officials for their failure to check the water level, which was rising in the drain for the past three days. He asked

MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal to check reasons for the same as some people, who did not want the issue to be resolved, were trying to create hindrances in works. He said he would not budge from his goal and solve the menace.