Ludhiana: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Ludhiana deputy commissioner to produce original revenue maps and records of the Buddha Dariya following allegations that municipal authorities are illegally narrowing the historic waterway.The NGT intervention comes amid a heated legal battle between environmental activists and the municipal corporation over the “concretisation” of the drain, which experts warn is destroying the local ecosystem. Amid claims of illegal construction and “flawed” reports, the margin for error — and for the river itself — is disappearing fast.Court Demands Geographical TransparencyThe tribunal has directed the deputy commissioner (DC) to submit comprehensive documentation to resolve conflicting reports regarding the waterway’s actual size. The required records include original revenue entries and maps of the area, a complete map of the Buddha Nullah disclosing its width at regular intervals across the entire contested stretch, and verification of buffer zones to ensure no illegal construction is occurring within protected boundaries.The DC has also been tasked with ensuring a total freeze on any further illegal construction within the drain or its buffer zone until the next hearing on April 20.Activists Dispute ‘Flawed’ Committee ReportThe Public Action Committee (PAC), leading the complaint, successfully contested a Jan. 9 joint committee report. Activists Kapil Arora and Kuldeep Singh Khaira alleged the report relied solely on MCL statements rather than physical measurements.They argued that the current construction of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) retaining walls — claimed by the MCL to prevent overflows — is actually an environmental hazard. After reviewing photographic evidence provided by the PAC, the court questioned the DC regarding walls built above ground level directly within the waterway. The DC’s counsel has sought time to respond.Environmental Concerns and Policy ViolationsThe applicants claim that on-ground measurements taken on Feb 27 reveal a significant reduction in the width of the Buddha Dariya. The environmental implications of the ongoing work include ecological loss (concretisation eliminates natural vegetation essential for groundwater recharge and water filtration), flood risk (the dumping of earth and narrowing of the natural flow channel increases the likelihood of catastrophic flooding), and regulatory breaches (a 2018 Punjab govt notification mandates a five-metre greenbelt along such water bodies. Activists claim this has been “violated blatantly”).Unauthorised DevelopmentsThe petition further highlights that despite the legal scrutiny, unauthorised roads and commercial structures continue to be built. Concerns were also raised regarding potential religious encroachments near the Shivpuri Bridge, where the natural riverbed is reportedly being compromised. MSID:: 129654010 413 |
