Unclogging Ludhiana’s dung disaster

Ludhiana: A cleanliness drive has been launched to address the deteriorating conditions at the Haibowal Dairy Complex. For over 20 days, the effluent treatment plant (ETP) designed to treat dairy wastewater remained non-functional, while owners dumped cow dung directly onto internal roads. To address this, AAP Rajya Sabha member Balbir Singh Seechewal initiated temporary measures to curb direct discharge into the ETP. A specialized well has been constructed to collect solid waste, ensuring only water proceeds for treatment. Despite an agreement signed three months ago between the Municipal Corporation and a private contractor for dung removal, the system remains unstreamlined at both Haibowal and Tajpur Road.Dairy farmers alleged that promised door-to-door waste collection from inside their units is being refused by the contractor. Conversely, officials have issued a stern ultimatum until April 19 for the ETP operators and the waste-lifting firm to resolve systemic failures or face action. MP Seechewal noted that a "Seechewal Model" pond has also been established at the Haibowal complex to prevent dung from entering and clogging the ETP. Furthermore, the private contractor has finally begun deploying carts within the complexes to facilitate the lifting process. However, area councillor Manju Shah described the current state of the Hambran Road complex as a "total mess," with cow dung accumulating in every corner. She confirmed that warnings have been issued to all stakeholders to rectify the situation immediately. Notably, the debate over shifting these dairy units has persisted for over 15 years with minimal progress. Although land was previously identified in villages such as Gorsian Kadar Baksh, Dhanansu, and Khasi, urban expansion has made these sites less viable. Despite rejuvenation efforts for the Buddha Dariya, plans to relocate the dairies outside city limits were ultimately dropped in favor of ETPs, which are now struggling to function efficiently.
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