Ludhiana: Ludhiana's ambitious project to supply canal water to its residents is facing a major hurdle - severe pollution in the Sidhwan Canal. Despite efforts to provide clean water, the canal's condition continues to worsen due to neglect from certain areas in the city. Social activist Kapil Arora has brought attention to the issue, submitting a complaint and disturbing images of the canal's pollution to the municipal commissioner.
Pollution Hotspots: Lohara and Shimlapuri
Arora highlights that most of the garbage is coming from areas like Lohara and Shimlapuri, where no significant efforts are being made to control the situation. The municipal corporation's plan to deploy marshals to prevent garbage and puja materials from entering the canal is not being properly implemented.
Failed Promises and Pending Petitions
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had given clear orders to stop waste from entering the canal, but civic officials have failed to take serious steps to resolve the problem. Arora's petition on the issue is still pending in the NGT.
A Project Worth Crores at Risk
The Punjab government's project, worth crores, to supply canal water to 18 lakh people in the city is under threat due to the pollution. With the World Bank's support, this project aims to provide clean water to residents, but the canal's condition poses a significant challenge.
A Call to Action
The Public Action Committee and social activists like Kapil Arora are demanding strict action against violators and immediate measures to protect the Sidhwan Canal. Will the authorities respond to this wake-up call, or will the toxic tides continue to choke Ludhiana's waterways?