2024: The year of green resistance for clean water, air, and a greener tomorrow

Ludhiana: In 2024, a powerful wave of green activism swept through communities, as residents became increasingly aware of their fundamental rights to clean air and water. In efforts to spark change, a dedicated group of locals came together to tackle the growing environmental challenges plaguing their surroundings. They reached out to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), seeking justice and action.
The pollution choking the Buddha Dariya remained a top concern. Besides this, issues such as deforestation and park encroachments also fueled the calls for a sustainable future.
Buddha Dariya Battle: Taking Stand Against Rising Pollution
In June, activists, under the banner of Kale Pani Da Morcha, organized a protest calling for the rejuvenation of Buddha Dariya. They gave the govt a three-month ultimatum to address the pollution in the river, warning that if no action was taken, they would block the drain near the river’s entrance to the villages.
Thereafter, in August, a march was organised on Ferozepur Road to raise awareness among the masses regarding the increasing pollution in the dariya. The activists had then announced that on Dec 3, they would block the outlets of common effluent treatment plants of the dyeing industry at Tajpur Road.
The activists claimed that due to the Buddha Dariya’s polluted water, the Satluj river was getting contaminated. Since the water of Satluj river is used for drinking purposes by people not only in the Malwa belt but also in eight districts of Rajasthan, some residents from the state also joined the protest. The activists are adamant about the closure of CETPs of dyeing units at Tajpur Road, from where treated water is entering the Buddha Dariya. The activists pointed out that the Union ministry of environment and forests had approved the CETPs, with the assurance that treated water would not be discharged into the drain. However, they blatantly ignored these directives. The issue is currently pending before the NGT.
Seechewal Opens Front Against Polluters
Environmentalist and Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal, who stayed in the city to oversee the cleaning of the drain, has now decided to remain permanently in Ludhiana until the drain is restored to its original condition.
Call to End Encroachment Over Public Parks
The activists also raised their voices against commercialisation of public parks, as well as the installation of tiles at the roadside. These matters were raised before the NGT, but officials struggled to provide satisfactory answers. The use of the green belt near Lodhi Club for parking purposes by the club and a private school raised eyebrows. Even the officials could not prove their point in court.
Solid Waste Crisis: MC Takes Ac ion
The issue of solid waste management in the city was taken up before the National Green Tribunal, and a court commissioner was appointed to verify the facts submitted by the officials and activists. The court commissioner also submitted his report against the civic body’s claims. To the relief of the residents, the MC could finalise tenders for solid waste processing and bioremediation of legacy waste this year.
MC’s Struggle to Secure Funds
The civic body continued to face challenegs in securing funds under the National Clean Air Programme, as the central govt denied the financial support, citing very little improvement in the air quality index of the city. However, the MC recently requested the central govt to issue grants worth Rs 54 crore to them, stating that their PM levels showed improvement after the construction work of the elevated road came to an end. Notably, from 2020 till 2023, Ludhiana received Rs 91.75 crore under the 15th Finance Commission, and the MC utilised Rs 83.48 crore for air quality improvement initiatives.
Complaints Against Illegal Axing of Trees
The activists continued to complain against the illegal axing of trees in the city. This year, for the first time, an FIR was registered against two residents for illegally axing the trees. The residents even highlighted the issue on social media.
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