In a significant move to address environmental concerns, Punjab's Local Bodies Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal conducted a comprehensive review of the Buddha Dariya rejuvenation project during a high-level meeting at Jamalpur STP on Saturday.
Strict Directives Issued to Officials
The meeting saw strict directions being issued to staff of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board and civic body authorities regarding the proper operation of sewer treatment plants (STP) and effluent treatment plants (ETP). Officials were explicitly warned that failure to ensure optimal functioning would result in stern departmental action against responsible personnel.
During the review, MLAs Ashok Prashar Pappi and Daljit Singh Grewal, along with Ludhiana Mayor Inderjit Kaur, collectively appealed to the local bodies minister to intervene in the matter. They expressed frustration that officials from concerned departments were not responding to their concerns adequately.
Specific Pollution Concerns Raised
The political representatives highlighted several critical issues affecting Buddha Dariya's water quality. They pointed to dairies along Tajpur Road filled with filthy water due to malfunctioning effluent treatment plants. Additionally, they raised concerns about dyeing units continuing to pollute the drain while allegedly escaping scrutiny from the Punjab Pollution Control Board.
The meeting witnessed participation from numerous key officials including MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, MC Additional Commissioner Paramdeep Singh, ADCP Jashandeep Singh Gill, SDM Jasleen Bhullar, SE Ekjot Singh, and PWSSB Executive Engineer Balraj Singh, among other PPCB representatives.
Government's Commitment to Cleanup
Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh and MP Seechewal directed civic body and PPCB officials to immediately stop the dumping of cow dung and untreated industrial waste into Buddha Dariya. They emphasized taking strict action against violators without exception.
The leaders affirmed that the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann remains fully committed to rejuvenating Buddha Dariya. They revealed that regular ground-level monitoring is being conducted, with every possible effort being made to achieve the project targets within established timelines.
Minister Dr. Singh specifically appreciated MP Seechewal's efforts in reducing pollution in Buddha Dariya, particularly noting the 'sangat ghat' established by the MP on the river banks.
Following the main meeting, MLA Daljit Singh Grewal, MLA Ashok Prashar Pappi, and MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal conducted a separate meeting with dairy owners at the Tajpur Road dairy complex. Dairy owners were urged to cooperate with authorities by stopping cow dung dumping in Buddha Dariya, with clear warnings about strict action for non-compliance.
