Ludhiana: The National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has been hearing multiple petitions on pollution in the Buddha Dariya, has underlined the need for a permanent solution to the issue. In its orders on the petitions, the Tribunal said it must be ensured that the water body is not polluted by any units or violators even in the normal course, when the matter is not under active monitoring by the NGT.The orders stated that the Tribunal expected the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to take this into account while working out a solution to pollution in the Buddha Nallah.
The NGT directed the PPCB to take necessary action for imposing environmental compensation (EC) on industries that were not complying with environmental norms.The orders noted that the PPCB had filed a short reply through an affidavit on September 30, 2025, stating that it had awarded the study on “Source apportionment and comprehensive investigation of pollution in Buddha Dariya” to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar at a cost of ₹1.44 crore plus GST.According to PPCB, the study aims to provide a scientific foundation for river rejuvenation efforts in the state, enabling regulators, industries and local bodies to implement targeted interventions, strengthen compliance monitoring and restore the ecological and socio-economic value of Buddha Nullah and the downstream stretch of the Sutlej. As per the affidavit, IIT Ropar will complete the study by March 31.The NGT observed that although the cost of the work prima facie appeared high, it did not intend to go into that issue at this stage.Counsel for the MoEF&CC submitted that, in line with the Tribunal’s earlier orders and the statement made on July 26, 2025, the exercise of granting an opportunity of hearing and taking a decision was underway. She said samples had been sought from the PPCB and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) from the CETP discharge point and identified downstream locations.It was pointed out that since the matter was pending before the Tribunal, violators might ensure compliance during the proceedings, because of which the sample results might not reflect the true situation.The NGT allowed the MoEF&CC and PPCB to file their report at least one week before the next hearing, scheduled for April 20. The MoEF&CC counsel said three months were required to complete the exercise and submit the report.What NGT Said —Tribunal says water body must remain pollution-free even when matter is not under NGT monitoring —MoEF&CC and PPCB told to factor this into long-term plans for Buddha Nullah —PPCB directed to impose environmental compensation on non-compliant industries —PPCB affidavit (Sept 30, 2025) says IIT Ropar awarded a Rs 1.44-crore study on pollution source apportionment —Study aims to support targeted interventions, improve compliance monitoring and restore ecological value —IIT Ropar expected to complete the study by March 31 —NGT notes the study cost appears high but does not examine the issue at this stage —MoEF&CC says sampling exercise is underway; samples sought from PPCB and CPCB at CETP discharge and downstream points —Tribunal cautions that violators may temporarily comply during proceedings, skewing results —NGT asks MoEF&CC and PPCB to file report at least a week before next hearing on April 20 —MoEF&CC counsel says three months needed to complete the exercise.MSID:: 127936433 413 |
