Ludhiana: Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal has condemned local authorities for failing to halt the flow of waste into the Buddha Dariya, despite ongoing cleaning efforts. During an inspection, Seechewal discovered that the Haibowal dairy complex effluent treatment plant (ETP) has been shut for five days.Plant operators blamed the shutdown on excessive cow dung clogging machinery designed only for liquid waste. Furthermore, the operating company revealed it is owed ₹19 crore in unpaid dues spanning 30 months. Seechewal also flagged a large sewer pipe near Balloke discharging untreated water directly into the waterway; however, officials from the Municipal Corporation, Sewerage Board, and Pollution Control Board failed to provide accountability, often trading blame.“Those polluting the Buddha Dariya will not be spared,” Seechewal warned, criticizing the inter-departmental finger-pointing. In a parallel environmental push, Seechewal launched a large-scale greening drive on Tajpur Road near the Central Jail. Utilizing saplings from his own nurseries, the campaign aims to transform former dumpsites along the Dariya banks into green belts to combat Ludhiana’s severe pollution levels.
