Ludhiana Municipal Commissioner Takes Action on Buddha Dariya Pollution
In a proactive move ahead of a scheduled visit by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to the city, Ludhiana Municipal Commissioner Neeru Katyal Gupta conducted inspections at key dairy complexes on Monday to assess the deteriorating condition of Buddha Dariya. This initiative followed a meeting where AAP MP Balbir Singh Seechewal raised concerns about cow dung continuing to flow into the water body.
Inspections Reveal Alarming Waste Management Issues
Commissioner Gupta visited both the Haibowal and Tajpur Road dairy complexes on Wednesday to evaluate the situation firsthand. According to official sources, the scale of the problem is substantial. The Tajpur dairy complex generates approximately 200 tonnes of cow dung daily, while the Haibowal complex produces around 400 tonnes. However, not all of this waste is being properly managed.
Despite the Municipal Corporation having awarded a contract through tender for lifting the cow dung, the arrangements remain insufficiently effective. Current data indicates that 220 tonnes of cattle dung from Haibowal are sent to a CBG plant, with the contractor lifting only 36 tonnes. Meanwhile, the MC lifts 170 tonnes from the Tajpur complex.
Tragically, nearly 176 tonnes of dung still finds its way into Buddha Dariya every single day, exacerbating pollution levels.
Strict Directives Issued During Inspection
During the inspection, Commissioner Gupta issued firm instructions to ensure the regular and complete lifting of cow dung from both dairy complexes. The goal is to prevent any waste from entering Buddha Dariya. Representatives from the dairy owners and the contractor responsible for waste lifting were present and received these directives.
Key measures emphasized include:
- Ensuring unobstructed lifting of cow dung from all dairy complexes
- Proper functioning of effluent treatment plants (ETPs) established to treat dairy waste
- Expediting projects to establish bio-gas plants within the dairy complexes
Appeal for Responsibility and Warning of Consequences
Commissioner Gupta appealed to dairy owners to take ownership of their environmental responsibilities and collaborate with authorities to reduce pollution in Buddha Dariya. She issued a clear warning: "The authorities would be forced to take strict action against violators if someone is caught dumping cow dung in sewer lines or Buddha Dariya."
This stern message underscores the administration's commitment to tackling the pollution crisis through both cooperation and enforcement.
Review of Waste Disposal Projects
Following the dairy complex inspections, the Municipal Commissioner also reviewed ongoing projects at the main dump site on Tajpur Road. These initiatives focus on disposing of both legacy waste and fresh waste. Officials reported that the second phase of the project, aimed at disposing of approximately 20 lakh metric tonnes of remaining legacy waste, is progressing rapidly.
Commissioner Gupta directed the contractors handling legacy and fresh waste to accelerate their efforts and complete the projects within the stipulated timeframes. This comprehensive approach highlights the MC's dual focus on immediate pollution control and long-term waste management solutions.
The inspections and directives come at a critical time, as the city prepares for high-level visits and seeks to address persistent environmental challenges affecting Buddha Dariya and the broader community.
