Ludhiana: A powerful wave in 2024 Green activity Communities spread, as residents became increasingly aware of their basic rights to clean air and water. In an effort to spark change, a dedicated group of local people came together to tackle the growing environmental challenges in their surroundings. They reached National Green Tribunal (NGT), demand justice and action.
Choking pollution of Budha River remained a top concern. In addition, issues such as deforestation and encroachment on parks have fueled calls for a sustainable future.
Buddha River War: Taking a Stand Against Rising Pollution
In June, activists, under the banner of Calle Pani da Morcha, organized a protest demanding the revival of Budha River. He gave the government a three-month ultimatum to deal with pollution in the river and warned that if no action was taken, he would close the drain near the entrance to the villages.
This was followed by a march on Ferozepur Road in August to raise public awareness about the increasing pollution in the river. The workers then announced that on December 3, they would block the outlets of the dye industry’s common effluent treatment plants on Tajpur Road.
Activists claimed that the river Sutlej was being polluted due to the polluted water of Budha river. As Sutlej river water is used for drinking purposes not only in Malwa belt but also in eight districts of Rajasthan, some residents of the state also joined the protest. The activists are adamant about the closure of the CETPs of the desalination units on Tajpur Road, from where the treated water is entering the Budha river. Activists pointed out that the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has approved CETPs with an assurance that the treated water will not be discharged into drains. However, they blatantly ignored these instructions. The matter is currently pending before the NGT.
Sechewal opened a front against the polluters.
Environmentalist and Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Sechiwal, who had stayed in the city to oversee the cleaning of the drain, has now decided to stay in Ludhiana until the drain is restored to its original condition. .
Demand to end encroachment on public parks
Activists also raised their voice against the commercialization of public parks as well as the installation of roadside tiles. These issues were raised before the NGT, but officials struggled to come up with a satisfactory response. The use of the green belt near the Lodhi club for parking by the club and a private school raised eyebrows. Even the authorities could not prove their point in the court.
Solid waste crisis: MC has taken Ac ion.
The issue of solid waste management in the city was raised before the National Green Tribunal, and a court commissioner was appointed to verify the facts presented by officials and workers. The Judicial Commissioner also submitted his report against the claims of the civic body. To the relief of residents, the MC may finalize tenders for solid waste processing and bioremediation of legacy waste this year.
MC’s Struggle to Secure Funds
The civic body continued to face challenges in getting funds under the National Clean Air Programme, as the central government refused financial support citing little improvement in the city’s air quality index. However, the MC recently requested the central government to release a grant of Rs 54 crore for him, saying that his PM level has improved after the completion of the construction of the elevated road. Notably, from 2020 to 2023, Ludhiana received Rs 91.75 crore under the 15th Finance Commission, and the MC used Rs 83.48 crore for air quality improvement measures.
Complaints against illegal felling of trees
Activists continued to complain against illegal felling of trees in the city. For the first time this year, an FIR was registered against two residents for illegally cutting down trees. Citizens also highlighted this issue on social media.
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