Ludhiana: ₹1.1k-cr project planned to tackle Buddha Nullah groundwater crisis
Nidhi Batta, divisional soil conservation officer, confirmed the detailed plan for transporting and reusing treated water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in the Lower Buddha Nullah for irrigation. Punjab, an agrarian state, faces alarming declines in groundwater levels and quality, with existing water conservation efforts proving insufficient. The government now seeks to utilize vast quantities of municipal wastewater, often discharged untreated, as a valuable resource. Reusing treated water can fulfill irrigation needs, generate revenue for maintenance, and significantly reduce pollution.
Phased implementation for domestic and dairy waste water
The proposal's primary component, 'Proposal A,' focuses on reusing 555 MLD (million litres per day) of domestic and dairy wastewater through a four-stage, ₹1,051.36-crore plan. Stage I involves using treated water from Sahnewal (7 MLD) and Jamalpur (25 MLD) STPs to irrigate 400 and 1,500 acres of farmland, respectively, costing ₹4.33 crore and ₹10.90 crore.
Stage II, costing ₹276.30 crore, will see a major infrastructure upgrade to transport 206 MLD from Jamalpur STP to Balloke STP via a 14.5-km HDPE pipeline. Stage III, at ₹459.14 crore, entails moving 523 MLD from Balloke STP to Walipur village through a 17-km underground pipeline connecting to Lower Buddha Nullah. Finally, Stage IV, costing ₹300.69 crore, will establish 22 lift irrigation ponds along Lower Buddha Nullah to utilize treated water, aiding its revival and reducing pollution.
Industrial wastewater and key challenges
'Proposal B' addresses the reuse of 165 MLD of industrial wastewater, estimated at ₹103.25 crore. Treated effluents from existing and proposed Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) will be transported for reuse across 2,300 acres of forest land in the Mattewara region. The combined cost of both proposals totals ₹1,154.61 crore.
A significant challenge lies in the separate collection of domestic, dairy, and industrial wastewater, as illegal discharge of industrial effluents into domestic sewers disrupts treatment. Managing dairy waste, rich in solids, also requires attention, with a need for Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plants by Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA). Officials stress that the project's success hinges on the active support of all stakeholder departments, emphasizing that proper infrastructure and treatment are crucial to realizing the full benefits of this substantial investment. The reuse of treated water is envisioned as a sustainable solution to Punjab's water crisis, reducing reliance on borewells and restoring Buddha Nullah's ecological balance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business Standard
Enviro Infra Engineers receives orders worth Rs 1,178 cr in FY25 YTD
Enviro Infra Engineers has received orders worth Rs 1,178.30 crore since 01 April 2025. The orders were placed by various Government authorities in its core areas of Water Treatment Plants (WTPs), Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETPs). The most recent addition to this growing order book is two (2) significant projects worth Rs 85.22 crore, awarded this week by the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) for the design, construction, and commissioning of two (2) Tertiary Treatment Plants (TTPs) with capacities of 90 MLD and 75 MLD. This project marks a significant step in advanced wastewater recycling and reuse, aligning with the country's goals for sustainable urban water management.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Pollution of Buddha Nullah: NGT focuses on CETP role
Ludhiana: After repeated rounds of trials and petitions, the National Green Tribunal ( NGT ) has finally issued joint orders in petitions filed by different persons related to pollution in the Buddha Nullah. The Tribunal ordered Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to place on record full details of environmental compensation calculated and the status of its recovery from dyeing unit associations running common effluent treatment plants (CETPs). PPCB shared that it had imposed environmental compensation on defaulters and initiated action against them. According to the PPCB, it imposed Rs 2.49 crore EC on the 50 MLD CETP on Tajpur Road. Besides, Rs 2.96 crore EC, and Rs 75 lakh bank guarantee was encashed from the 40 MLD CETP on Tajpur Road. It also imposed Rs 4.5 crore EC on the 15 MLD CETP on Bahadur K Road. The PPCB counsel submitted that a comprehensive remediation plan was being prepared, for which IIT Ropar had been taken on board. Counsel for the state of Punjab also submitted that a high-power committee had been constituted by the govt to oversee and implement a comprehensive solution for rejuvenation and pollution control of Buddha Nullah. The Tribunal was informed that the committee would meet at least once every month or as often as needed. It is empowered to co-opt domain experts and invite relevant technical institutions. All departments would extend full cooperation in the implementation of decisions taken by the committee, which would develop a comprehensive short and long-term action plan for cleaning and rejuvenation of Buddha Nullah. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The committee will also monitor and fast-track current and future priority infrastructure such as compressed biogas (CBG) plants, pumping stations, sewage treatment plant, and common effluent treatment plant, etc. Besides launching new initiatives and projects for rejuvenation of the drain, the committee will engage with regulatory agencies such as PPCB, CPCB, and NGT as needed to ensure alignment between regulations/directives and the on-ground action plan. It will also conduct studies and scientific assessment where required to design a solution. The NGT orders The Tribunal pointed out in its order that the committee did not have representation from the PPCB and secretary, environment, department of state, who is also accountable for complying with the order of the Supreme Court on liquid waste management (sewage). The NGT pointed out that while the name of the Tribunal was included in the functions of the committee, the reason for such inclusion was not clear. Counsel for PPCB submitted that the timeline for the actionable plan provided by IIT Ropar, along with details of the plan, would be placed on record within one week. The counsel appearing for the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC), referring to the reply affidavit, submitted that MoEFCC was in the process of giving a hearing to all the parties concerned. She submitted that the two main associations included the Punjab Dyers Association, and Bahadur Ke Textiles and Knitwear Association. She also submitted that show cause notices had been issued to both in respect of three CETPs functioning in the area, and replies to the notices had been received. She added that the issue was under the consideration of MoEFCC. Pointing out violations of environmental clearance conditions by the CETPs, she said that M/s Bahadur Ke Textile and Knitwear Association was granted environment compensation to set up 15 MLD CETP on December 8, 2014, with the condition that the proponent would maintain zero discharge. However, she said that 15 MLD treated water was being continuously discharged into the Buddha Nullah. She said that no separate EC had been granted for both 40 MLD and 50 MLD CETPs. At present, there is no consent for operation from the Punjab Pollution Control Board. Environment compensation has also been imposed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board for violation of the provisions of environmental laws. None of the EC conditions are being followed by both the 40 and 50 MLD units, which have been continuously dispatching 40 and 50 MLD treated waste water into the Buddha Nullah. A few area residents present in the Tribunal raised a grievance against the operation of the CETPs without compliance with norms and consequential problems faced by them. MoEFCC may consider giving an opportunity of hearing to representatives of residents in the process of taking a decision. The counsel said that the process would be completed within two months. The MoEFCC has been directed to file a progress report/compliance affidavit at least one week before the next date of hearing. Three execution applications have been filed by Public Action Commitee (PAC) seeking compliance with the order of the Tribunal on December 9, 2024. The next date of the hearing is October 7. Boxes NGT observation The Tribunal pointed out in its order that the committee did not have representation from the PPCB and secretary, environment, department of state, who is also accountable for complying with the order of the Supreme Court on liquid waste management (sewage) PPCB stance PPCB said that it imposed Rs 2.49 crore EC on the 50 MLD CETP on Tajpur Road. Besides, Rs 2.96 crore EC, and Rs 75 lakh bank guarantee was encashed from the 40 MLD CETP on Tajpur Road It also imposed Rs 4.5 crore EC on the 15 MLD CETP on Bahadur K Road A comprehensive remediation plan was being prepared, for which IIT Ropar had been taken on board State govt position Counsel for the state of Punjab also submitted that a high-power committee had been constituted by the govt to oversee and implement a comprehensive solution for rejuvenation and pollution control of Buddha Nullah MoEFCC report on CETPs: - No online monitoring of influents or effluents - No MoUs between CETPs and member industries regulating flow and quality - Effluent transported without CETP tankers, manifest system, or GPS tracking - Hazardous waste generated but no authorisation obtained - No functional environmental management cells or green belt development - No compliance reporting, either to MoEFCC or the Pollution Control Board MSID:: 123118221 413 |
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Punjab pushes for biogas plants to tackle stubble burning amid resistance challenges
Patiala: Amid ongoing efforts to curb stubble burning and promote clean energy, Punjab is intensifying the push towards compressed biogas (CBG) production using paddy straw. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), as part of the stubble management plan for the current year, has also submitted a comprehensive plan regarding this. However, the green energy transition is encountering obstacles in rural Punjab, where village-level opposition is emerging as a key challenge. The CBG plants aim to reduce the state's dependence on stubble burning by diverting crop residue to generate biogas. According to data from the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), a total of 14.8 lakh tonnes of paddy straw is projected to be collected by 2025 under ex-situ management efforts. This includes 11.70 lakh tonnes to be handled through 11 operational biomass power projects with a combined capacity of 101.5 MW. Additionally, 60 CBG projects are in the pipeline, with a total capacity of 852.68 tonnes per day (TPD) CBG. Of these, six projects with a capacity of 107.48 TPD are already operational in Khanna, Sangrur, Moga, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, and Hoshiarpur. These are expected to utilise 2.50 lakh tonnes of straw. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo Four more projects of 45 TPD are set to become operational by the financial year 2025-26, contributing 0.60 lakh tonnes. The remaining 50 projects, including ventures by the HPCL, GAIL, Reliance, and BPCL, are expected to be commissioned within the next one and a half to two years. To scale up the initiative, PEDA has partnered with the public sector undertakings (PSUs) such as GAIL India Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) under which a total of 22 CBG plants with a combined capacity of 280 TPD are in the pipeline, with the potential to consume 9.4 lakh tonnes of paddy straw annually. The GAIL has been allocated 10 plants with a total capacity of 150 TPD (5 lakh tonnes paddy straw annually). The HPCL will set up 10 plants totalling 100 TPD (3.4 lakh tonnes annually), while the BPCL has been allotted two plants of 15 TPD each (1 lakh tonnes annually). These projects are supported by joint surveys conducted by PEDA and the respective PSUs, with Panchayat land identified for lease to host the facilities. Despite the promising numbers, the project rollout has not been smooth. In Kakrala village of Nabha in Patiala district, a proposed CBG plant was scrapped after the gram sabha unanimously opposed the plan last year. Villagers expressed fears over potential air and water pollution, loss of common land, and unfulfilled promises of local employment. The project was to be set up on 18 acres of village common land, intended to be leased for 33 years to a private firm via PEDA. However, the gram sabha of Kakrala village not only rejected the proposal but also demanded the immediate auction of the land for agricultural use. "Over the last five decades, nearly 80 acres of village land had been diverted to private firms and industrial projects like the Nabha focal point, with no visible benefits to the local population. Currently our village is left with 144 acres of common land, which is mostly cultivated by landless villagers and loss of this land would have resulted in loss of their livelihood," said Bhupinder Singh Kakrala. Kakrala is not an isolated case. Similar resistance has been reported from other districts in Punjab as well, including Bagga Kalan of Ludhiana. Villagers are raising concerns over transparency, long-term environmental impact, and lack of guarantees regarding community benefits. This grassroots resistance presents a policy challenge for the state govt as it seeks to scale up clean energy projects while ensuring rural participation and consent. In Ghungrali village of Ludhiana, a CBG plant remained shut for around six months due to protest. "After six-month shutdown, our plant is re-operational as the matter was resolved. Our plant with 12 TPD capacity started operations in 2023, but currently it's operating at 2 TPD. Besides local employment, we are providing solid and liquid fertiliser, free of cost, to around 25 villages falling in our 15 km radius and potato, maize and paddy farmers are benefiting from it," said plant owner KK Kaushal. "While the potential of CBG plants to reduce stubble burning and generate renewable energy is significant, the success of such projects depends heavily on community trust, inclusive planning, and tangible local benefits. High level committees have been formed to clear the doubts of villagers and persuade them to let the plant come up in Ludhiana as it will benefit the local population and manage the paddy stubble as well," said a PPCB senior official requesting anonymity. As the govt gears up to enhance paddy straw utilisation to 5.5 lakh tonnes per annum in the current financial year by setting up CBG plants, addressing villagers' concerns about land rights, pollution, and employment will be crucial for the sustainable execution of Punjab's bioenergy ambitions. Highlighting concerns of the resisting villagers, environmentalist Col Jasjit Singh Gill said: "Resistance among villagers arises after air, water or soil pollution is recorded by such CBG plants. These plants should be located 4 km away from the periphery of the village and proper effluent treatment plants should be installed and operated. The village panchayat should have access for free-check and raw materials that invite flies or insects should be avoided by plant owners. " MSID:: 123092576 413 |
