On 17 Nov, activists from the Kale Paani Da Morcha (Black Waters Front) in Panjab called on residents to support a protest on 3 Dec to forcibly stop the flow of effluents into the Buddha Nullah stream in Ludhiana (SDW Vol 2, Issue 35, Story 1). Environmentalists in Abohar, Panjab, raised concerns about water pollution caused by the Buddha Nullah, stating that contaminated water is being poured into the river Satluj and subsequently reaching the public through various canals, resulting in water-borne diseases. The Punjab State Human Rights Commission has also received a complaint regarding water pollution in Panjab and Rajasthan, filed by advocate Sarvjit Singh. Singh alleged that the Panjab govt. is endangering lives by failing to lodge a First Information Report or comply with orders from the Punjab Pollution Control Board. Meanwhile, Water Warriors Panjab, a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded by Manjit Singh, is mobilizing youth volunteers to combat severe river pollution in Panjab, focusing on the rivers Satluj, Beas, and Ravi. The NGO’s volunteers participate in clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, and community engagement efforts to restore the water table, revive wetlands, and promote green tourism along riverbanks. They face significant challenges, including industrial pollution, ritualistic waste dumping, and govt. neglect. Buddha Nullah has become heavily polluted due to industrial waste from Ludhiana’s dyeing and dairy industries, leading to severe health issues such as cancer in nearby communities, commonly referred to as Panjab’s ‘cancer belt.’ Despite initial hurdles such as lack of manpower and funding, Water Warriors have observed a 20% reduction in pollution caused by human activities in some areas.
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