Ludhiana: Demanding a time-bound plan to clean Budha Dariya, the Public Action Committee (PAC) has urged the Punjab govt to ensure that the newly formed 10-member panel under Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal yields concrete results rather than remaining a paper exercise.Reacting to the panel’s formation, PAC member Col CM Lakhanpal (retd) stated that while the initiative offers a chance to resolve the long-pending crisis, its recommendations must be supported by technical expertise, administrative backing, and strict implementation deadlines.The environmental group noted that nearly four and a half years have passed without a permanent solution, with untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and dairy waste continuing to pollute Budha Dariya and the Satluj. It called for equal scrutiny and enforcement across all pollution sources rather than selective action.The PAC’s demands include the identification and closure of illegal discharge points, independent performance audits of common effluent treatment plants (CETPs), sewage treatment plants (STPs), and dairy effluent units, alongside transparent monitoring of toxic contaminants and the enforcement of zero liquid discharge where mandated.Highlighting pending official reports, the PAC demanded the public release of a study by a committee associated with the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF&CC). It also sought the publication of the ₹1.5-crore IIT Ropar study, detailing completed work and released payments.Stressing a holistic approach, the PAC urged that restoration efforts cover the Charan Kanwal Drain, Budha Dariya, Satluj river, and regional groundwater as an integrated ecosystem. It urged authorities to submit a comprehensive plan before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ahead of its scheduled hearing on Jan 5, 2027.The group proposed a phased action plan: identifying pollution sources within 15 days, finalising a binding timeline within 30 days, curbing illegal discharges within 90 days, and demonstrating verified water quality improvements within six months.Lakhanpal noted that while Seechewal’s inclusion raises public hopes, regulatory agencies must extend full support, adding that success will be judged by measurable water quality improvement rather than meetings and announcements.
