Activists march to PPCB office over  toxic discharge into Buddha Nullah

Environmental activists under the banner of Kale Pani Da Morcha converged on Patiala on Wednesday to mark a year of their agitation against the continued release of toxic effluents from dyeing units into Buddha Nullah and other water bodies in violation of National Green Tribunal (NGT) directions issued last year.

Led by the Public Action Committee (PAC), the march began from Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib and proceeded to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) office on Nabha Road. Tension mounted in the evening when protesters staged a sit-in and blocked the PPCB’s main gate, demanding accountability of officials for failing to implement NGT orders.

After an hour-long discussion, Principal Environmental Scientist Rajiv Gupta invited Morcha representatives for a detailed meeting on January 8 to review action taken against polluting industries.

Members of PAC, Naroa Punjab Manch, Lakha Sidhana and several farmer unions joined the demonstration, accusing the government of shielding violators and failing to curb industrial dumping. Protesters — men, women, elderly and children — held placards seeking strict enforcement of directives that bar STPs and CETPs from handling industrial waste. Activists said earlier warnings from NGT had been repeatedly ignored, and recalled that women protesters were detained during similar demonstrations in Ludhiana.

“Kale Pani Da Morcha is not symbolic — it's a fight against generational suffering,” PAC member Jaskirat Singh said, adding that older residents remember Buddha Nullah as a clean water channel, unlike the polluted drain seen today.

PAC’s Kapil Arora said a memorandum was submitted demanding immediate implementation of directions issued by the PPCB, MoEF&CC, CPCB and NGT. “The government agreed on December 3, 2024, to act within seven days but nothing has been done. They now want time till January 8. If no action is taken, we will return with a mass gathering on tractors and trolleys,” he warned.

Environmentalist Dr Amandeep Bains said the protest marked one year of the Morcha. “We were told the PPCB chairperson and member secretary were unavailable. Rajiv Gupta said he was not aware of the issue. This apathetic attitude is causing deaths, ailments and permanent deformities among thousands exposed to toxic discharge,” he said.

According to environmentalist Kuldeep Singh Khaira, over 10 crore litres of polluted water continues to be released into Buddha Nullah daily. “Neither NGT directions are being implemented nor penal action taken. The obstruction comes from a nexus of dyeing unit operators, industrialists, PPCB officials and the government,” he alleged.

Activists have urged PPCB to strictly enforce its 33(1) Water Act orders to halt CETP discharge into Buddha Dariya, recover environmental compensation and report compliance to the NGT. They also demanded enforcement of zero-discharge norms, closure of illegal bypasses and leakages through independent checks, clarity on how CETPs are operating without valid CTOs, monthly public disclosure of inspection reports and protection for officers who recorded violations.