Buddha Darya: A Dead River After Four Years of Broken Promises

*PRESS NOTE*

*BUDDHA DARYA HAS BECOME A DEAD RIVER: FOUR YEARS OF PROMISES, ZERO ACCOUNTABILITY, AND TOTAL FAILURE OF THE REJUVENATION PROCESS*

The Public Action Committee (PAC) Mattewara Jungles, River Satluj and Buddha Darya has expressed grave concern and anguish over the continuing ecological disaster unfolding in Buddha Darya. A field inspection by the PAC team of the highest pollution zone—from Community Ghat to the Second Bridge near Tajpur Dairy Complex—has once again exposed the complete collapse of the State’s much-publicised rejuvenation programme.
The ground reality stands in sharp contrast to repeated official claims. Buddha Darya continues to receive untreated industrial effluents, untreated dairy waste and inadequately treated sewage, making it a virtual dead river. Instead of witnessing restoration, the people of Ludhiana are watching the continued destruction of one of Punjab’s historic water bodies.

During the inspection, both the *40 MLD and 50 MLD CETP discharge points* were found releasing heavily polluted effluents of dark brown and grey colour into Buddha Darya. The *225 MLD STP* was also seen discharging light brown wastewater, raising serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of treatment and the continued mixing of industrial effluents with the sewerage system.

Equally alarming was the continued *direct discharge of dairy waste* into Buddha Darya from the Tajpur Dairy Complex area. Industrial pollution, dairy waste and untreated sewage are collectively poisoning the river every single day.

*The recent large-scale fish mortality between Community Ghat and the 225 MLD STP bridge is a tragic reminder of the ecological collapse of Buddha Darya. Such incidents indicate severe pollution levels and demand an immediate scientific investigation. The silence of the concerned authorities has only deepened public distrust*.

*The PAC also observed that while certain positive initiatives*, including removal of *encroachments near the Government Fish Market* and the development of *green mini-jungles by Team Seechewal*, deserve appreciation, these isolated efforts cannot compensate for the continuous discharge of poisonous waste into the river.

*The present condition of Buddha Darya reflects a systemic governance failure*. Despite repeated assurances over the past four years, the pollution sources remain active, enforcement remains weak, and accountability remains absent. Public funds have been spent, numerous announcements have been made, committees have been constituted, and deadlines have repeatedly been extended, *yet the river continues to deteriorate*.

*PAC strongly condemns the continued failure to stop illegal pollution of Buddha Darya*.

*Environmental laws cannot remain confined to files while poisonous effluents continue to flow openly into public water bodies. Every day of inaction places the health of lakhs of citizens, groundwater resources, agriculture, biodiversity and ultimately River Satluj at greater risk*.

*PAC demands*:

• Immediate closure of every illegal discharge point releasing untreated industrial and dairy waste into Buddha Darya.
• Independent third-party environmental audit of all CETPs, STPs and dairy waste management systems.
• Continuous online monitoring of all discharge points with public access to real-time data.
• Fixing of personal responsibility on officers found negligent in enforcing pollution control laws.
• Registration of criminal proceedings against persistent polluters violating environmental norms.
• A transparent, time-bound action plan with monthly public reporting of progress.

*The people of Punjab deserve clean water, not repeated promises*.

*Environmental restoration cannot succeed without honesty, transparency and accountability. Buddha Darya cannot be allowed to die while those responsible continue to evade responsibility*.

Col CM Lakhanpal
Member
Public Action Committee (PAC) – Mattewara Jungles, River Satluj & Buddha Darya, Ludhiana
Mobile: 94171 38044

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