Buddha Nullah pollution: Ludhiana turns into a fortress; Ludhiana-Ferozepur highway blocked
PTC Web Desk: : The ongoing agitation against the polluted Buddha Nullah in Ludhiana, spearheaded by social activist Lakha Sidhana, escalated into a tense standoff on Tuesday. Thousands of protestors gathered to demand the closure of the Buddha Nullah, responding to Sidhana's call for action. Anticipating potential clashes between protesters and stakeholders from dyeing industries, a heavy police force was deployed across the city.
The situation intensified when protesters marching toward the Buddha Nullah were stopped outside Punjab Agricultural University on the Ferozepur Highway. However, tensions rose when several protesters were detained, prompting others to block the Ludhiana-Ferozepur Highway. To prevent the spread of information, the police have reportedly deployed jammers in protest-hit areas to disrupt mobile networks.
Before the march began, police detained prominent figures, including Titu Baniya from Ludhiana, Roman Barad from Ferozepur, Mohinder Singh from Moga, and others. Lakha Sidhana was also taken into custody alongside his aide Sukh Jagraon in Jagraon.
The protest is being held under the banner of 'Kale Pani Da Morcha', an organisation formed to combat pollution in the Buddha Nullah. Activists said untreated sewage and chemical-laden water from the nullah flow into the Sutlej and eventually reach Rajasthan, where it has reportedly caused widespread health issues among residents.
Around 1,500 persons from Rajasthan are expected to join the protests in Ludhiana, demanding urgent action to address the nullah’s contamination. The influx of protesters has prompted the deployment of over 2,000 police personnel at city borders and strategic locations, with strict orders to prevent any breach of law and order.
Police personnel have also been stationed at various treatment plants and Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) across the city to maintain control. DCP Jaskaran Singh Teja assured that no one would be allowed to disrupt the city's peace, stating, “We will not let anyone deteriorate the law and order situation.”
- PTC NEWS
