Upper Buddha Darya — Restoration and Protection of Natural Drainage, Floodplains, Wetlands and Groundwater-Recharge System of River Satluj

D.O. No.: PAC/UBD/2026/_12
Date: 11 August 2026

Respected S. Bhagwant Singh Mann Ji,
Hon’ble Chief Minister, Punjab
Chandigarh

AND

Respected Shri Gulab Chand Kataria Ji,
Hon’ble Governor of Punjab
Punjab Raj Bhavan, Chandigarh

Subject: Upper Buddha Darya — Restoration and Protection of Natural Drainage, Floodplains, Wetlands and Groundwater-Recharge System of River Satluj

Respected Sir,

I am forwarding herewith a detailed Memorandum titled “Restoration and Protection of the Upper Buddha Darya Drainage System as a Natural Hydrological Network of the River Satluj Floodplains” for your kind consideration and necessary intervention.

The Public Action Committee (PAC), during its recent field assessment, travelled through the eastern floodplain landscape of Ludhiana District to study the present condition and historical connectivity of the Beela–Koom Kallan Drain, Charan Kamal Drain, Gehlewal Drain, Neelon–Koom Drain, Mattewara Drain and Miami–Ratangarh–Behlewal Oxbow Lake System.

The field assessment brings out a matter of considerable ecological and hydrological importance.

These watercourses should not be perceived merely as “Ganda Nallas” or wastewater channels. They constitute components of the natural drainage, floodplain, wetland and groundwater-recharge system associated with the River Satluj.

The progressive conversion of these natural watercourses into carriers of untreated municipal sewage, industrial effluents, dairy waste and other pollutants is seriously compromising their natural functions.

Of particular concern are the observed conditions around the Koom–Neelon confluence near Koom Kallan, where foul odour and fish mortality have been observed. The apparent improvement in water quality when canal water is flowing through the Neelon system also highlights the need to scientifically distinguish dilution from actual treatment of pollution.

The matter assumes even greater significance because the floodplain is undergoing substantial land-use transformation and industrial development. The Dhanansu Integrated Industrial Park, as well as the wider proposed industrial township landscape, requires careful assessment from the perspective of natural drainage, flood storage, groundwater recharge and ecological connectivity.

The scientific parameters of BOD, COD, Dissolved Oxygen, pH, TDS, EC, TSS, nutrients, microbiological contamination and heavy metals, together with groundwater levels and groundwater quality, need to be assessed as an integrated system.

The fundamental concern is that polluted surface water entering floodplain soils can potentially convert a natural groundwater-recharge mechanism into a pathway for groundwater contamination.

I therefore respectfully submit that the issue may kindly be considered at the highest appropriate level and that a multidisciplinary scientific assessment of the Upper Buddha Darya–Satluj floodplain drainage system may be ordered.

I would particularly request consideration of the following:

1. Comprehensive GIS-based mapping and demarcation of all natural drains, wetlands, oxbow lakes, historical channels, floodplain depressions and groundwater-recharge zones.
2. Identification and immediate action against all sources of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, dairy waste and other pollutants entering the natural drainage system.
3. Independent scientific monitoring of BOD, COD, DO, pH, TDS, EC, TSS, nutrients, microbiological parameters and heavy metals at strategic locations.
4. Groundwater-level and groundwater-quality assessment throughout the vulnerable floodplain areas.
5. Joint survey and protection of drainage corridors, wetlands, oxbow lakes and floodplain areas against encroachment, dumping and inappropriate land-use conversion.
6. Preparation of an Upper Buddha Darya Ecological & Hydrological Restoration Master Plan, integrating drainage, flood management, groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation and pollution control.
7. Establishment of a long-term Upper Buddha Darya Water, Groundwater and Ecological Monitoring Network, with results placed transparently in the public domain.
8. Ensuring that future industrial and infrastructure development does not obstruct the natural drainage, flood-storage, groundwater-recharge and ecological functions of the River Satluj floodplains.

The essential principle, in my humble view, should be:

“A Natural Drain is not a Sewer; a Floodplain is not Surplus Land; and Groundwater Recharge must be Clean-Water Recharge.”

Punjab is blessed with an extraordinary natural heritage of rivers, wetlands, floodplains and groundwater systems. The Upper Buddha Darya and its associated drainage network should therefore be restored as natural ecological infrastructure, rather than being allowed to deteriorate into permanent wastewater channels.

I sincerely hope that your good offices will kindly consider the enclosed Memorandum and facilitate appropriate directions to the concerned departments/agencies for an integrated scientific assessment and time-bound restoration programme.

The Public Action Committee remains committed to extending all possible cooperation and field-level support in this important environmental endeavour.

With profound regards and warm personal respects,

Yours sincerely,

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

Enclosure:

Memorandum — “Restoration and Protection of the Upper Buddha Darya Drainage System as a Natural Hydrological Network of the River Satluj Floodplains”