Water is Life -Justice is Survival

PAC White Paper Release – Buddha Darya & Satluj Cry for Justice

Punjab’s Water Emergency – Environmental Accountability Charter 2025

The PAC – Public Action Committee (Regd.) officially presented its landmark White Paper titled “Buddha Darya & Satluj Cry for Justice – Punjab’s Water Emergency” on 25 November 2025.

This document serves as a people’s environmental accountability charter highlighting the alarming condition of Buddha Darya and the downstream impact on River Satluj and Punjab’s groundwater systems.

The White Paper reflects years of on-ground research, community engagement, environmental monitoring, and documentation conducted by PAC volunteers, experts, researchers, and local citizens.

Purpose of the Event

• Present scientific findings and ground reports on the pollution crisis of Buddha Darya.
• Highlight institutional failures and environmental governance gaps.
• Share community-led research and documentation from the Buddha Darya Padyatra (BDP) campaigns (2022–2025).
• Propose a policy roadmap and solutions for river restoration and water protection.
• Mobilize public awareness and strengthen environmental accountability.

Key Highlights of the Event

• Release of Environmental White Paper outlining pollution, health risks & solutions
• Presentation of field research on discharge points & contamination hotspots
• Recognition of PAC-led community movement for river protection
• Introduction of 12-Point Environmental Reform Charter
• Call for joint action by government, experts & citizens

Major Issues Highlighted

• Industrial effluents and chemical discharge into Buddha Darya
• Heavy metal contamination in groundwater
• Sewage and stormwater mixing
• Illegal pipelines and bypass pollution systems
• Environmental health risks for nearby communities
• Impact on agriculture, livestock, and food systems
• Downstream effects reaching Rajasthan through the canal network

Community Participation

• Formation of Jal Rakshak volunteer teams
• School and college environmental clubs
• Youth participation in river conservation
• Community-based monitoring and reporting

Event Message

“Water is Life – Justice is Survival.”

The White Paper is a call to action for protecting Punjab’s rivers, restoring ecological balance, and ensuring a safe water future for coming generations.

Organized By

PAC – Public Action Committee (Regd.)

Mattewara Jungles, River Satluj & Buddha Darya Conservation Initiative
Ludhiana, Punjab