Post-Baisakhi, Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal launches major drive to clean Ludhiana’s Buddha Dariya

Ludhiana: With Baisakhi celebrations coming to an end, a team led by Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal has launched a major drive to clean the Buddha Dariya, where scores had taken a dip to mark the occassion.
"The cleaning drive has now entered the city limits. We are cleaning the drain from within, as a lot of waste has accumulated at its bed," said a source. MP Seechewal also claimed that TDS levels at Tajpur Road have started to recede.
Meanwhile, another drive kicked off inside the Tajpur Road dairy complex, where, due to the poor drainage, wastewater coming from the dairies was accumulating in the streets. A private firm connected the dairy units with a effluent treatment plant at Tajpur Road, so that wastewater from dairies could reach the ETP for treatment, before being released into the Buddha Dariya.
"However, due to poor placement of the pipes, sufficient water is not reaching the ETPs. Now, the private firm has been directed to fix this issue, so that only wastewater reaches the ETP for treatment. Meanwhile, a team led by MP Seechewal has been visiting the dairy complex, as there were complaints that some owners were releasing wastewater into the Buddha Dariya at night.
Moreover, the MC additional commissioner has formed joint teams of MC, Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board, and policemen, to stop dairy farmers releasing water for a few days, so that levelling could be done. The proposed work is to be completed by April 22, but dairy farmers are not fully supporting the task.
Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal added, "We will not stop unless the entire stretch of Buddha Dariya is cleaned, like Bhukhari village. Now, we will go up to the banks of the drain near Gurudwara Gaughat. We will ensure that next time someone takes a dip, the water will be crystal clear."
He said that they are monitoring pollution levels of the drain at Tajpur Road as well. "It is coming down, as fresh water has started flowing," he added.
Meanwhile, streets are also being cleaned of wastewater, and a long stretch has been made motorable by karsewaks. The cleaning of inner lanes is also in progress, a source added. MSID:: 120408028 413 |