Ludhiana, March 27
In a clear case of discrimination, the Ludhiana administration has taken action against dairy farmers for polluting Budda Nullah but spared the industry, which is the major contributor towards the water body's pollution.
The police has booked several dairy farmers in the past two days for dumping cow-dung and dirty water into the Budda Nullah under Section 188 of the IPC for flouting the high court and District Magistrate's orders.
No industrialist was, however, booked by the police, although dyeing and electroplating industry has been a major contributor towards pollution in the water body, of late known as river of sorrows.
The police had registered seven cases against 14 dairy farmers of Haibowal and three farmers of Salem Tabri on Tuesday for polluting the Budda Nullah. As many as 38 dairy farmers of Haibowal were booked in yet another four cases yesterday.
While the noose has been tightened against the dairy farmers, there has been no action against the industry despite being accused of throwing toxic effluents carrying lead, nickel,
chromium and other elements into the nullah.
The Budda Nullah, carrying sewage and industrial effluents, empties into Sutlej river that merges with the Beas at the Harike wetlands supporting aquatic life. The toxic elements have over the years affected the aquatic life in the wetlands.
Not only the aquatic life but many towns in the Malwa belt are supplied drinking water from the Sutlej and the residents are exposed to deadly diseases like cancer due to dependence on heavy metals-laced water.
All this is happening but the industry is being spared. Despite the P.Ram committee insisting on zero discharge from the industry, the recommendation is yet to be implemented.
The dairy farmers are ruing that they were being targeted only for throwing cow-dung and the industry was being spared.
‘’Why are they not taking action against the industry? Is cow-dung the only source of pollution?’’ asked a dairy farmer.
