Arsenic, chromium found in Buddha Nullah water samples

LUDHIANA: Raising serious questions on the claims of authorities about measures being taken to save Buddha Nullah, several samples collected from the polluted water body have revealed the presence of harmful chemicals, including arsenic and chromium.
Samples, which were collected during the padyatra (foot march) by a group of environmentalists after every 500 meters along the nullah, were sent for testing at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).
As per the report of 11 samples, chemicals like arsenic, zinc, chromium, copper, manganese were found in water. Sampling was done with an aim to find out the level of pollution in the drain.
One of the activists who collected the samples claimed that according to the guidelines of Central Pollution Control Board, there is no relaxation for arsenic, mercury, lead and chromium, but here they found some quantity of these chemicals in the samples. He said the harmful chemicals are in a small quantity.
Environmentalists who took out the padyatra under the banner of Buddha Dariya Action Front and Public Action Committee expressed serious concerns over test results.
Col C M Lakhanpal (retd), who led the march, said, “This is what we have been saying from the beginning that industrial pollutants are still flowing into the dariya, despite claims of industrial associations about installing treatment plants.” He said the upcoming generation is under great threat and gradual impact is very much visible in some of the villages as well.
He said there is need to create big clusters of industries and shift units there, so that they don’t pollute the water bodies.
Col JS Gill (retd), one of the activists, said they will send these reports to all authorities concerned.
An MC official, on the condition of anonymity, admitted that chemicals must be there in the water because scattered industrial units are still operational at some locations and some units are directly dumping their wastewater in earth through reverse bore. He said the actual picture will come out once their sewage treatment plants become fully functional.
R K Ratra, executive engineer of PPCB, said, “I will have to see the reports, only then I can comment on the same.” He said they are also trying to wipe out pollutants from Buddha Dariya, and this padyatra was a gentle effort by these activists who have been helping the authorities.
AAP MLA from Ludhiana West constituency Gurpreet Gogi, who had come to take part in the event, said, “The government is making efforts to turn Buddha Nullah into dariya again. The project is nearing completion and some more steps are being taken which will show results in the coming days.”
AAP MLA from Ludhiana East constituency Daljit Grewal, who heads a committee formed to keep a check on pollution level in Satluj and Ghaggar rivers, admitted that chemicals and heavy metals are still coming into Buddha Nullah. He said, “It is because of scattered industrial units. Even CETPs which were installed do not fulfill the norms. They are given time till April 30 to set things in order.” He said they are sincerely looking into this issue to find permanent solutions.