Ludhiana: A review meeting to assess the progress of the Buddha Dariya Rejuvenation Project was held on Wednesday at the deputy commissioner (DC) office, where DC Himanshu Jain ordered the formation of a committee to visit gaushalas across the city to assess their cow dung disposal capacity and the procedures being followed. He also called for stern action against those still dumping cow dung or untreated industrial waste into the Buddha Dariya.MLAs Ashok Parashar Pappi and Madan Lal Bagga, along with mayor Inderjit Kaur and municipal commissioner Neeru Katyal, were also present in the meeting. Senior officials from the municipal corporation (MC), Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB), Punjab Pollution Control Board, PEDA, Soil Conservation Department and other concerned agencies attended the meeting. The meeting also discussed in detail the proper functioning of sewage treatment plants (STPs) and common effluent treatment plants (ETPs), as well as the lifting and scientific disposal of cow dung from dairy complexes.The officials directed the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board to ensure the availability of gensets at all sewage and effluent treatment plants on a 24×7 basis to guarantee uninterrupted operations. Board officials informed the meeting that a proposal worth Rs 1.2 crore for procuring gensets has already been prepared. They were further instructed that, in case of any delay in purchasing the gensets, the board must immediately hire them on rent so that the treatment plants continue functioning round the clock without any disruption.The authorities emphasised that officials of all departments involved in the project must be held accountable if they fail to take action against violators. They directed the authorities to maintain strict vigilance and initiate stringent measures against anyone dumping untreated industrial waste into the water body.The officials maintained that the govt is not against any industry or sector, but no one will be allowed to pollute the water bodies. They stressed that it is high time for all stakeholders to come together and make concerted efforts to protect these water resources for future generations.MSID:: 129801258 413 |
