Assembly panel finds irregularities in CETPs

Ludhiana: Reviewing progress of the Rs 650-crore Buddha Nullah rejuvenation project, the Vidhan Sabha committee for Buddha Nullah and Ghaggar river on Thursday found major discrepancies in the working of common effluent treatment plants (CETPs), especially the one at Focal Point meant to treat the waste dischared by the dyeing industry.
Following this, samples were collected from the outlet points of all the three CETPs in presence of officials of Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and Ludhiana municipal corporation.
Earlier during the meeting held at the circuit house, the committee members, including MLAs Madan Lal Bagga, Ashok Prashar Pappi, Kulwant Singh Sidhu and Hardeep Singh Mundian, reiterated that no stone should be left unturned to rejuvenate the water body. The committee members directed the officials to conduct regular inspections and take strict action against the industrial units dumping untreated waste in the sewer lines. Directions were also issued to expedite the project to rejuvenate 'Buddha Dariya'.
Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal also participated in this meeting in which MC commissioner Dr Shena Aggarwal, officials of Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB) and revenue department were also present.
Directing the authorities to tighten the noose around violators, the committee members said from now on, the officials concerned would also be held responsible, if any violation is found in their areas during inspections. During the meeting, discussions were held about steps being taken to stop cow dung from getting into the nullah, working of CETPs established to treat waste of the dyeing industry etc.
Committee chairman and Ludhiana East MLA Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal said regular meetings are being held at the state and local level to expedite the works under the project. The committee also appealed to the public to join hands with the authorities in this campaign and stop use of banned plastic items and avoid dumping solid waste in the nullah.