Ludhiana, June 24 – In a significant push to clean up the Buddha Dariya, the Municipal Corporation (MC) has issued a final ultimatum to dairy operators along Tajpur Road, directing them to install solid-liquid waste separation screens outside their units. This measure aims to prevent solid cow dung from clogging the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and polluting local waterways.
During a recent inspection, MC officials found that while 60 out of 90 units had installed screens, only half were functionally effective. The remaining units have been asked to comply by Monday; failing to do so, a challenging drive (penalty enforcement) will commence on Tuesday.
Dairy Waste and Drainage Woes
The Tajpur Road Dairy Complex has long faced issues with drainage due to a failed sewer system. Block C, housing the majority of units, is the most severely affected. In response to the deteriorating hygiene and infrastructure, authorities have focused their efforts on this block as part of the ongoing Buddha Dariya Cleanliness Campaign.
Parshotam Singh, Executive Engineer of the MC’s Operation & Maintenance Cell, confirmed:
“Dairy farmers are cooperating, but full compliance is critical. The screens must stop solid dung from entering the sewer and ETP system—otherwise, we’ll be forced to issue penalties starting Tuesday.”
Environmental and Political Backdrop
The issue escalated last month when AAP MP Balbir Singh Seechewal halted direct wastewater discharge into the Buddha Dariya. However, this led to unintended consequences, with streets flooding due to the dysfunctional ETP. Dairy farmers protested, blocking roads and demanding long-term infrastructure fixes.
Following the protest, MC and Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board officials set a firm deadline for the installation of proper waste filtration mechanisms.
