Col CM Lakhanpal

To
S. Bhagwant Singh Mann Ji,
Hon’ble Chief Minister, Punjab, Chandigarh.

Shri Gulab Chand Kataria Ji,
Hon’ble Governor, Punjab, Chandigarh

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*Subject: Humble Request for Establishing a University of Environmental Sciences, Biotechnology and Laws in Ludhiana — A Dire Need for Punjab’s Ecological Revival*

Respected Sir,

With utmost humility and deep concern for Punjab’s environmental future, it is earnestly requested that a University of Environmental Sciences, Biotechnology, and Environmental Laws be established in Ludhiana, ideally near the Integrated Industrial Park, Dhanansu.

This initiative is not merely an academic proposal—it is a strategic necessity for the ecological and industrial balance of Punjab, especially when the entire Ludhiana district faces grave challenges from polluted water bodies, air pollution, subsoil water depletion, and ecosystem degradation.

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1. Why Ludhiana is the Ideal Location

Ludhiana is Punjab’s industrial heart, but it also bears the heaviest ecological burden. Establishing this University here would ensure that research, innovation, and application directly address on-ground challenges in:

Water Pollution: Buddha Darya, Satluj, and subsoil contamination.

Air Pollution: Industrial, Stubble Burning and Vehicular emissions.

Jungle Degradation: Loss of Mattewara forests and green cover.

Waste Management: Solid, domestic, industrial sludge and agricultural waste.

Additionally, Ludhiana offers natural laboratories for field-based research:

River Satluj, Lakes, Ponds and its floodplains

Mattewara Jungles

Buddha Darya and its tributaries

Botanical Gardens and Biodiversity Parks

Integrated Industrial Clusters

Developing Eco-tourism and Agroforestry Zones

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2. Academic and Research Focus Areas

The proposed University may encompass multidisciplinary schools combining science, law, and technology, covering areas such as:

(a) Environmental Sciences and Biotechnology

Advanced research on water, air, garbage and soil pollution.

Development of refined STP, ETP, CETP, and RO technologies.

Desilting and hydrological innovations for rivers, wetlands, lakes, ponds and drains.

Techniques for separating heavy metals and toxic chemicals from effluents.

Rainwater harvesting, floodwater storage, and recharge methodologies.

Promotion of agroforestry, native tree plantations, and biodiversity restoration.

Biogas and biomass conversion technologies for sustainable energy.

Effective Strom Water System

Effective Sewage Treatment and Disposal System (s)

Effective Waste Management Techniques, Reutilization and Neutralization

Plastic Waste Management Practices and Techniques for curtailing use

Electronic Waste Management

(b) Environmental Laws and Governance

Research on implementation and enforcement of environmental laws.

Development of legal and administrative frameworks for eco-restoration.

Studies on policy intervention, compliance auditing, community participation and public accountability.

(c) Digital and Technological Applications

Application of IT, AI, and remote sensing in environmental monitoring.

Development of real-time pollution tracking and data analytics systems.

Integration of GIS-based ecological mapping for planning and protection.

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3. Direct Socio-Economic and Environmental Benefits

Creation of a centre of excellence that nurtures scientists, legal experts, and innovators for sustainable governance.

Employment generation in green technologies, research, and eco-industries.

Strengthening of industrial compliance and cleaner production systems.

Revival of Punjab’s rivers, forests, and groundwater through applied research.

Integration of surface water supply schemes with sustainable usage models.

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4. The Urgency

Punjab’s 13 Blocks in Ludhiana District are already declared “Dark Zones” due to subsoil water depletion. Industrial effluents continue to contaminate rivers and agricultural lands. The establishment of this University would thus serve as a scientific lighthouse guiding Punjab’s environmental restoration and sustainable industrial growth.

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5. Humble Appeal

In view of the above, it is humbly submitted that the Government of Punjab, under your visionary leadership, may kindly consider establishing this University in Ludhiana with the financial grant and assistance from Central Government. The city’s unique combination of industrial, agricultural, and ecological zones provides an unparalleled ecosystem for education, research, and practical application.

This would mark a historic step toward achieving Punjab’s vision of a Smart, Sustainable, and Green Future, while setting a national precedent for environmental governance and scientific integration.

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With deepest respect and humble submission,

Col CM Lakhanpal
Member, Public Action Committee (PAC)
Mattewara Jungles, River Satluj, and Buddha Darya, Ludhiana.
94171 38044.

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*Justice Deferred: The Unending Wait for Relief in the Buddha Darya Pollution Case*

1. The Crisis Behind the Case

The pollution of Buddha Darya, once a sacred water channel of Ludhiana and a vital tributary of the Satluj, remains one of Punjab’s most painful ecological tragedies. Despite years of investigation, committee findings, and public outcry, toxic industrial, Dairies Waste, and municipal discharges continue to flow unabated into this lifeline of Malwa.

For the people of Ludhiana and downstream districts, the issue is not only environmental—it is existential. Contaminated water seeps into the subsoil, poisons crops, and contributes to the rising prevalence of cancer and other chronic ailments. The Public Action Committee (PAC) has been consistently drawing attention to these realities before the authorities and the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT). Yet, the wait for justice grows longer.

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2. Findings Long Established, Actions Still Elusive

In its hearing of 22 July 2025, the NGT recorded the affidavit of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which categorically admitted that all three Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) operating in Ludhiana were non-compliant and violating Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) norms.

These CETPs—at Focal Point (40 MLD), Tajpur Road (50 MLD), and Bahadurke (20 MLD)—were found to be grossly underperforming, releasing inadequately treated effluents into the drain system that connects directly to the Buddha Darya. The Tribunal directed that a joint meeting of all stakeholders be held to prepare a remediation plan. Both the Union and State Governments were given two months to file their roadmap.

However, when the matter came up again on 7 October 2025, instead of moving forward with compliance reports, the case was once more adjourned—this time until 13 January 2026—as the MoEFCC sought additional time to hold yet another meeting of stakeholders.

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3. A Pattern of Delay and Disillusionment

This adjournment is not an isolated instance; it represents a recurring pattern in a case that has already lingered for over four years.
Repeated postponements—often on procedural pretexts—have paralyzed enforcement and emboldened violators.

Each delay translates into continued pollution:

Untreated industrial effluents continue to be discharged daily into the Buddha Darya.

Groundwater contamination deepens, spreading carcinogenic residues across agricultural fields.

Citizens’ faith in environmental justice erodes with every passing hearing.

The affected communities and civil representatives, have appeared in every proceeding, provided data and on-ground evidence, and cooperated with every official inquiry. Yet, the systemic inertia of Central and State agencies has turned the judicial process into an endurance test for citizens seeking justice.

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4. The Cost of Delay: Environment and Accountability at Stake

The consequences of these deferments go far beyond courtrooms:

1. Environmental Irreversibility: Continued dumping of toxic effluents has already damaged soil fertility and aquatic ecosystems, threatening the Satluj river basin.

2. Public Health Emergency: The affected regions report high incidence of waterborne and cancer-linked diseases, particularly in Malwa.

3. Loss of Governance Credibility: When acknowledged violations remain unpunished, both CPCB and PPCB lose moral and operational credibility as regulatory institutions.

4. Denial of Justice: For those who have suffered for decades, justice delayed is truly justice denied.

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5. The Way Forward: Restoring Faith through Action

The PAC, along with numerous citizen groups, calls for immediate and accountable measures to end this prolonged stalemate. The following actions are imperative:

Proactive Representation: The State Government must ensure its departments appear before the NGT with full preparation and a commitment to enforcement.

Status Accountability: Both the State Environment Department and the MoEFCC must file clear, time-bound compliance reports on CETP operations and corrective measures.

Independent Oversight: A joint review by constitutional or gubernatorial authority can bring moral weight and transparency to the process.

Time-Bound Remediation: The pollution control boards must fix verifiable deadlines for upgrading CETPs, monitoring discharges, and restoring the river system till that time the Polluting Units must be kept shut.

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6. Conclusion: A Call for Environmental Justice

The tragedy of Buddha Darya is no longer a technical or legal matter—it is a test of governance, integrity, and compassion.
Every adjournment allows more toxins to enter our rivers, our soil, and ultimately, our bodies.

Punjab’s rivers, once sacred and life-giving, now cry for justice. The citizens’ demand is simple:
Act now—before the damage becomes irreversible.

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Col CM Lakhanpal
Member, Public Action Committee (PAC)
Mattewara Jungles, River Satluj & Buddha Darya
Ludhiana | 94171 38044

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*“One for All – All for One: Plea for Justice to NGT”*

Buddha Darya, once a living stream of Ludhiana’s heritage and faith, has today become the most polluted drain in Punjab. It carries the collective pain of the people — polluted water, poisoned soil, and shattered dreams. For years, citizens have cried for justice; investigations and reports have confirmed the truth, yet justice remains pending. The Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) holds in its hands the power to restore faith, law, and life itself.

The Awareness and Appeal Drive on 07 October 2025 at Maj Bhupinder Singh MVC Chowk (Bharat Nagar Chowk) is not merely a gathering. It is a collective prayer for life. It is the united voice of farmers, students, women, industrial workers, and environmental defenders of Punjab — a cry that says:

> “Stop Pollution – Save Life.

Justice for Buddha Darya is Justice for Punjab.”

The ongoing discharges of toxic effluents from CETPs, STPs, and industrial drains have turned Buddha Darya into a carrier of disease and despair. The drain flows into the holy River Satluj, spreading pollution downstream across districts and states. This is no longer a local issue; it is a national concern for environmental justice and human survival.

We therefore appeal, with folded hands, to the Hon’ble NGT to hear the voice of the suffering people. Justice delayed is justice denied. Let there be accountability, enforcement of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), restoration of the sacred river, and punishment of those who defile our environment and the law.

A Call to Every Citizen

Join this movement not as an observer but as a guardian of life.
Stand shoulder to shoulder under the call:
“One for All – All for One.”
Together, let us become the conscience of the nation and compel action for a clean, green, and just future.

Col CM Lakhanpal
Member PAC Mattewara Jungles, River Satluj, and Buddha Darya, Ludhiana.
94171 38044.

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*Struggling for Justice: Buddha Darya Pollution Awaiting Decision in NGT*

*A Humble Appeal to Conscience, Justice, and Collective Responsibility*

For years, the people of Ludhiana and Punjab have been struggling for justice on the issue of Buddha Darya Pollution — a tragedy that has poisoned our rivers, degraded our soil, and endangered countless lives.
The facts are known. The violations are documented. Yet, justice continues to elude the suffering citizens.

Undeniable Facts

Industrial discharges from CETPs — illegal.

Dairy waste through ETPs or direct discharge — illegal.

Mixed industrial and domestic sewage entering STPs — illegal.

Use of stormwater pipelines for waste disposal — illegal.

All direct discharge points into Buddha Darya and Satluj — illegal.

These are not allegations — these are established facts, already accepted and recorded by NGT, CPCB, PPCB, and other statutory bodies.

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The Core Question: Where Is the Delay?

If everything is already known and declared unlawful,
then why does the suffering continue?
Who benefits from this delay — the polluters or the people?

It is evident that polluters, in connivance with facilitators, are dragging their feet, buying time, and weakening public faith in justice.

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A Humble Appeal to the Hon’ble NGT

The Hon’ble National Green Tribunal now holds the moral and legal key to restore public faith.
Lakhs of innocent citizens — farmers, children, and families — are waiting for relief and justice.
They trust the Tribunal to uphold the principles of justice, environment, and humanity.

Let not Justice Delayed become Justice Denied.

The Hon’ble NGT has the sacred opportunity once again to protect not just a river — but the right to life and health guaranteed under the Constitution of India.

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Appeal to Government and Industry

Governments — both State and Centre — must rise above political lines and work sincerely for Clean Water and Sustainable Goals.
Industries must redefine Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) — not as a publicity act, but as a moral duty towards the rivers and people they depend upon.

Let the truth prevail. Let conscience guide action. Let humanity triumph over greed.

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A Call to Every Citizen

Each one of us — officials, industrialists, activists, citizens — is a stakeholder in this shared future.
We must unite in our commitment:
“Clean Water – Green Earth – Healthy Lives.”

The fate of lakhs of people, of our sacred Buddha Darya and River Satluj, now lies before the conscience of justice.

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Col CM Lakhanpal
Member, PAC Mattewara Jungles, River Satluj & Buddha Darya, Ludhiana.
94171 38044.

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Save Sasrali !

*Restoration and Rehabilitation Process in Punjab After Severe Floods*

The recent floods have left behind a trail of devastation across Punjab. Beyond the visible destruction, communities are grappling with deep-rooted challenges that need immediate and sustained attention.

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Present Condition After Floods

Massive Displacement of families and communities from homes and farmlands.

Degradation of basic infrastructure such as roads, bundhs, electricity and water supply systems.

Widespread Destruction of crops, livestock, houses, and livelihoods.

Psychological Trauma among children, women, elderly, and flood-affected families.

Severe Financial Losses leading to long-term uncertainty.

Public Health Concerns due to stagnant contaminated water, vector-borne diseases, and lack of clean drinking water.

Ecological Devastation — uprooted trees, eroded bundhs, sand mining damage, polluted rivers and disturbed natural balance.

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Path to Restoration

1. Rebuilding Critical Infrastructure

Repair and reinforcement of breached bundhs and approach roads.

Restoration of irrigation systems, village connectivity, and flood-control structures.

2. Health & Sanitation Measures

Mobile health camps in every affected cluster.

Immediate provision of clean drinking water, medicines, and vaccination drives.

Large-scale sanitation campaigns to prevent epidemics.

3. Ecological Restoration

Plantation drives along riverbanks and bundhs.

Stopping illegal mining and rejuvenating degraded forest belts.

Scientific floodplain management and wetland restoration to act as natural buffers.

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Path to Rehabilitation

1. Human Settlements & Relief Centres

Safe and well-equipped rehabilitation centres for displaced families.

Separate care centres for vulnerable groups — children, elderly, women, and the differently abled.

2. Animal Welfare

Establishing rehabilitation shelters for livestock.

Veterinary support to restore animal health and prevent epidemic outbreaks.

3. Livelihood & Employment Generation

Launch of employment-generation schemes in affected areas.

Skill-building programs and financial support to small traders, farmers, and artisans.

Cooperative-based models for long-term sustainability.

4. Financial Rehabilitation

Transparent compensation for losses through state and central schemes.

Interest-free microfinance and cooperative credit societies in each district.

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Role of Community & Government

Community Participation & Volunteerism
Every citizen has a role—through volunteering, resource-sharing, and disciplined coordination with administration.

Government Support – Centre & State
Aid must flow without bias, political interests, or discrimination. Timely release of funds and proactive rehabilitation measures are crucial.

Coordination Cells in Each District
Local-level command and control structures to ensure need-based assistance and effective delivery.

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Joint Responsibility – A Call to Action

The path ahead is not just a government’s responsibility—it is a collective mission of all segments of society. NGOs, religious institutions, educational bodies, industries, and individuals must unite with one spirit:

One for All – All for One.

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going.

The Public Action Committee (PAC) humbly appeals for wholehearted community participation to:

Support every affected family,

Rebuild livelihoods,

Restore lost ecology,

And ensure a greener, healthier, stronger Punjab for tomorrow.

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Col CM Lakhanpal
Member PAC Mattewara Jungles, River Satluj, and Buddha Darya, Ludhiana.
94171 38044.

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‘Saza-e-kaala paani’: Heavily polluted water from overflowing Buddha Nullah enters Ludhiana homes after downpour

‘Saza-e-kaala paani’: Heavily polluted water from overflowing Buddha Nullah enters Ludhiana homes after downpour The 14-km-long Buddha Nullah crosses the heart of Ludhiana city, carrying untreated effluents from dyeing and other industries, domestic sewage, and solid waste, before flowing into the Sutlej River.