Despite the relentless efforts of activists, NGOs, social organizations, and media, Buddha Darya remains a victim of unchecked pollution. The continuous discharge of untreated industrial waste, effluents from dairies, and raw sewage into this once-pristine water body highlights the alarming failure of governance, law enforcement, and policy execution.

Polluters, in collaboration with their facilitators, continue to challenge legal authorities and the judiciary with impunity. The cohesive efforts of various stakeholders to rejuvenate the river remain ineffective as long as these violations persist. The planned, intentional delays and diversionary tactics employed by vested interests serve only to prolong the devastation, while the government remains a passive spectator, watching as Punjab’s natural resources are annihilated.

The health and well-being of the people are being severely compromised as pollution wreaks havoc on water bodies, air, and soil. The visible pollution points, where mass discharge occurs, are well known, and so are the solutions. However, the deliberate delay in implementing corrective actions—driven by political motives and selfish gains—demonstrates an unacceptable level of negligence by those in power. The failure to act decisively is a clear betrayal of public trust and environmental responsibility.

A Call for Action: Public Action Committee (PAC) Leading the Charge

The Public Action Committee (PAC) for Mattewara Jungles, River Satluj, and Buddha Darya is intensifying its efforts through a multi-pronged approach to break the deadlock and push for ecological sustainability. The time for passive complaints is over; the time for aggressive, result-oriented action has begun.

1. Expanding Awareness Campaigns

Mass awareness drives across villages, towns, and cities to educate people on the consequences of pollution.

Interactive workshops in schools, colleges, and universities to inspire the youth as environmental warriors.

Large-scale public rallies and silent protests to keep the issue at the forefront.

Social media mobilization for greater outreach and community engagement.

1. Strengthening Legal and Institutional Interventions

Filing strong petitions and PILs in courts to hold polluters accountable.

Continuous follow-ups on legal cases to prevent administrative delays.

Working with environmental law experts to challenge policy loopholes and weak enforcement.

Pushing for stringent environmental regulations and penalties against polluters.

1. On-Ground Action and Scientific Research

Surprise site inspections and real-time water sampling at pollution discharge points.

Collaboration with universities and research institutions to develop fact-based solutions.

Building a robust scientific case to counter government inaction.

Promoting sustainable waste management practices among industries and farmers.

1. Mobilizing Multi-Sector Participation

Direct involvement of industries, urging them to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Engaging religious organizations to spread the message of environmental protection.

Partnering with farmers to promote organic farming and reduce chemical runoff.

Bringing political leaders into the fold and making pollution a key electoral issue.

1. Organizing Environmental Events

Hosting environmental fairs to showcase clean technology and pollution control measures.

Community-led clean-up drives along Buddha Darya to demonstrate the power of collective action.

Promoting tree plantations and afforestation along riverbanks to restore ecological balance.

Breaking the Barriers, Ensuring a Sustainable Future

The PAC is unwavering in its mission to overcome obstructionism and create a livable environment in Punjab. The movement is not just about Buddha Darya—it is about the survival of Punjab’s water resources, forests, soil, and air. The pollution of River Satluj, subsoil water depletion, and environmental degradation will be made central public demands that can no longer be ignored.

Every citizen must recognize their role in this battle. This is not just an environmental issue; it is a fight for public health, economic stability, and future generations. We must dream it, wish it, do it, and achieve it—because the time for waiting is over.

To accelerate change, we need unified, aggressive actions. Together, we will reclaim our rivers, forests, and land from the clutches of pollution and destruction.

Yes, we can. Yes, we will !

• Col CM Lakhanpal is
  a member of Public Action Committee (PAC) for Mattewara Jungles, River Satluj, and Buddha Darya, Ludhiana.