Seechewal Model Expands to Three More Villages for Buddha Dariya and Satluj River Cleanup
In a significant environmental initiative, Rajya Sabha member and renowned environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal is set to implement his acclaimed "Seechewal Model" in three additional villages to rejuvenate the Buddha Dariya and protect the Satluj river from contamination. The project targets Baranhara, Talwara, and Gaunspur, with the primary goal of intercepting the direct discharge of raw, untreated sewage into the downstream sections of the drain.
Expansion of a Proven Ecological Project
This initiative marks a strategic expansion of the ecological project, which has already been successfully established in seven villages upstream. Under the Seechewal Model, village wastewater will no longer flow into the drain and eventually the Satluj river. Instead, it will be treated locally and repurposed for irrigation, offering a sustainable solution to water pollution and resource management.
The Science Behind the Three-Well System
The Seechewal model utilizes a specialised cyclonic method across three distinct wells to naturally purify wastewater. As raw sewage enters the first well, the water undergoes a settling process where silt and heavy sediments are effectively removed. The design of the second well is engineered to trap floating debris, oil, and grease, preventing these contaminants from moving forward. In the third well, water undergoes a final settling phase, emerging significantly cleaner before it is directed into a large storage pond.
Natural Purification and Agricultural Benefits
Once in the pond, the water is subjected to aerobic action. Sunlight facilitates the growth of beneficial bacteria, which eliminates remaining impurities and neutralizes foul odors. The final stage involves a motor-driven distribution system that pumps the nutrient-rich, treated water directly to agricultural fields. Balbir Singh Seechewal emphasized that the model serves a dual purpose: it conserves rapidly depleting groundwater and reduces farmers' reliance on chemical fertilizers, thereby promoting eco-friendly farming practices.
The MP stated that work in these three villages will be completed as soon as possible to ensure the Buddha Dariya remains free from rural waste discharge, highlighting the urgency of the project in the face of ongoing pollution challenges.
Governor's Critique and Ultimatum on Environmental Compliance
The development comes a day after Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the Buddha Dariya rejuvenation project. During his visit to the city, the governor highlighted that the effluent treatment plant (ETP) at the Tajpur Road dairy complex remains non-functional, mirroring the same poor condition he observed during his inspection last year.
Governor Kataria's frustration peaked over the proposed bio-CNG plant at Tajpur Road. He noted that in every review meeting, officials offer the same assurance that a plant is coming to solve the cow dung crisis, yet no ground progress is visible. Kataria issued a stern ultimatum: if dairy farmers refuse to comply with environmental instructions, the authorities must move to close the farms and even confiscate the cattle, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement to address pollution issues.
