Ludhiana: Environmentalist and Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal has urged Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria to fast-track a stalled project that would divert treated wastewater from the Buddha Dariya for industrial and agricultural use.The proposal aims to stop the discharge from the 225 MLD (million liters per day) Jamalpur sewage treatment plant (STP) into the seasonal drain, particularly near the religiously significant Gurudwara Gaughat. However, the plan faces a ₹110 crore price tag for immediate piping and a staggering ₹1,100 crore for a full-scale regional irrigation network.The Funding StandoffThe meeting highlighted a jurisdictional debate over who should foot the bill for Ludhiana’s environmental cleanup. Civic officials asked the governor to secure funds from the central govt. Governor Kataria suggested that since the local bodies minister is from Ludhiana and the state’s governing side, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has prioritized the Buddha Dariya, the state should release “special funds” first.The Risks of “Recycled” IrrigationWhile the vision is sustainable, a study by the soil and water conservation department has flagged significant hurdles. Farmers may reject the water due to chemical discoloration, and the long-term environmental impacts are high. A high sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) can damage soil structure and crop health. Long-term use may lead to permanent soil salt accumulation. Without advanced membrane filtration, harmful bacteria may persist. Heavy metals can enter the food chain, posing long-term human health risks. Wastewater can increase weed growth and mosquito breeding.The ‘Surat Model’ AlternativeAcknowledging the complexities of agricultural use, Seechewal proposed an alternative “Surat Model”. During a visit to the Gujarat city, he observed treated water being sold for road construction and highways, generating significant municipal revenue. “Buddha Dariya can only be cleaned when we stop throwing even a needle into it,” Seechewal said, suggesting that construction use provides a safer, more immediate return on investment than farming. MSID:: 128675470 413 |
