3 days Ago
Ludhiana: Environmental activists and villagers have intensified their campaign against the discharge of treated wastewater into the Buddha Dariya, setting the stage for potential conflict with authorities. With just two weeks remaining before their self-imposed deadline to shut down common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) on Ludhiana’s Tajpur Road, members of the Kale Pani Da Morcha and residents from 36 villages convened in Hambran to discuss their strategy. The activists accuse the Punjab Pollution Control Board of failing to enforce its own orders, which prohibit the discharge of treated CETP water into the Buddha Dariya, a polluted water body that has become a flashpoint for environmental protests.
The issue is also being examined by the National Green Tribunal, which is set to review related cases in the coming days. Mobilizing Support The campaign is gaining traction among rural communities. Villagers have expressed frustration over government plans to repurpose treated wastewater for irrigation, with many opposing the move over concerns about its impact on agriculture and health.
Activist Jaskirat Singh criticized the government for ignoring the problem, stating, "The authorities are aware of our intentions to stop the discharge, yet they have done little to address the root issues." Residents of urban colonies near Tajpur Road have also voiced grievances about fly ash and other pollutants emanating from dyeing units in the area. However, Singh noted a stark contrast in attitudes, saying, "Urban residents want relief but hesitate to challenge the system, while rural communities are willing to fight alongside us.
" Building Momentum The activists plan to hold more meetings across villages to bolster support, having waited for panchayat elections to conclude to maximize participation. The escalating campaign underscores the growing frustration over untreated industrial waste and the perceived inaction of authorities. As tensions rise, the movement highlights the need for sustainable solutions and proactive governance to address one of Punjab's most pressing environmental crises.
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Gurpurb joy comes to house of Shiva in Ludhiana Hindu village Residents of Sidhupur, Punjab, transcended religious boundaries to celebrate Gurpurab at the Shri Muktidham Shiva Mandir. This heartwarming tradition, initiated in 2019, sees the Hindu majority and Sikh minority jointly commemorate various religious festivals, including Shivratri, Janmashtami, and Baisakhi. The temple was adorned with lights, balloons, and images of Guru Nanak Dev, while 555 diyas illuminated the celebration.
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