National Green Tribunal’s recent observations have highlighted the severe pollution in Buddha Nullah, a highly contaminated tributary of the Sutlej river in Ludhiana, Punjab. Rajya Sabha member Vikramjit Singh Sahney emphasized the urgent need for the state to enforce stringent measures to address this environmental issue.
According to a response received by Sahney from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the pollution in Buddha Nullah is a matter of grave concern. The NGT, in its directive dated January 13, instructed the Punjab Pollution Control Board to levy and collect environmental compensation from industries failing to comply with regulations.
The Central Pollution Control Board’s inspections revealed that all four common effluent treatment plants in Ludhiana were not meeting the prescribed discharge standards. Consequently, the CPCB directed the PPCB to halt the release of untreated effluents into Buddha Nullah. Sahney appreciated the formation of a high-level committee by the state government and the imposition of around Rs 21.18 crore in environmental fines on violators under the “Polluter Pays Principle.”
Sahney urged the state government to ensure that the committee devises a time-bound action plan with clear responsibilities, implementation timelines, and regular progress assessments. This proactive approach aims to expedite the restoration of Buddha Nullah and achieve tangible improvements in its environmental health.
The NGT, in a previous ruling, criticized the dyeing industry for its prolonged pollution and the systemic failures contributing to the environmental degradation. The tribunal instructed the Punjab Pollution Control Board to furnish a detailed report on CETP violations, including calculations for environmental compensation and recovery.
