The Buddha Dariya Rejuvenation project in Ludhiana, Punjab is facing two major issues – the large quantity of sludge generated by the sewerage treatment plant (STP) in Jamalpur and the inability of the STP to treat waste generated by dairy units. The STP in Balloke is also struggling with the inflow of waste from dairy units. The officials have sought assistance from engineers at IIT Roorkee to solve these issues. The project, which is expected to be completed by December, is crucial as the polluted water in Buddha Dariya mixes with Satluj waters and affects other districts of Punjab and Rajasthan.
Even though around 94% work on Buddha Dariya Rejuvenation project has been completed, officers are still struggling with two major issues – the large quantity of sludge generated by the sewerage treatment plant (STP) in Jamalpur and inability of the STP to treat waste generated by dairy units. The Jamalpur STP, which has the capacity to treat 225 million litres of sewage waste per day (MLD), is the largest STP established in the state so far.
Initially pegged at around Rs 650 crore, the project, which is expected to be completed by December, will cost around Rs 519 crore. Punjab water supply and sewerage board (PWSSB) officials claimed that since there were no separate sludge chambers in the STP, sludge being generated was being collected in a corner of the STP premises.
The STP set up in Balloke to treat sewerage waste is also facing the challenge of huge inflow of waste from dairy units located along the water channel. STPs established along the water body are only meant to clean water carrying waste generated by humans. Such STPs are not equipped to clean water carrying dairy waste. When the project was envisaged, it was also envisioned that all dairy units operational in the vicinity of Buddha Nullah would be relocated. Since the MC has failed to relocate such units, STPs now face the challenge of treating water carrying dairy waste.
Sewerage board officials have asked the contractor firm to contact engineers from IIT Roorkee to solve both issues. Executive engineer, PWSSB Parul Goyal said, “Instead of talking about problems, we want to find solutions. These are two major issues so we are getting a proposal prepared and submitted to the government for approval.”
Meanwhile, MC superintendent engineer Ravinder Garg said, “Major components of the projects are complete and we are asking sewer board officials to complete pending work by December.”
Notably, the Buddha Dariya Rejuvenation project is one of the most important projects not only for the city but also for the state. Polluted water in Buddha Dariya mixes with Satluj waters and this polluted water reaches other districts of Punjab and even Rajasthan.
