Another plan of Buddha Nullah rejuvenation floated

Ludhiana: Ahead of parliament elections, another plan for rejuvenation and rehabilitation of Buddha Nullah has been floated by a private company on the request of MC authorities on Thursday. The private company has given a rough idea to clean the drain by using their technology, which they have already used in Jaipur to clean Daryavati river, and also a project to clean Badi Nadi and Choti Nadi is going to start in Patiala. However, it will be seen whether this scheme will get off the ground or remain a political stunt by Congress leaders.
On Thursday, Congress MP Ravneet Bittu, mayor Balkar Sandhu, MC commissioner KP Brar, and a few other councillors and officials were called at Zone D office of MC in Sarabha Nagar for this presentation by Tata Projects Limited. Notably, Daryavati river was rejuvenated by Tata Projects Limited in Jaipur at an expenditure of around Rs1,676 crore.

Company officials claimed they would not only ensure cleaning of the nullah, but also construction of embankments, paths for cyclists and morning/evening walkers, beautification, tree plantation, development of green belts/parks along the nullah, and re-use of the water for agriculture and horticulture purposes.

After seeing their presentation in a closed-door meeting hall, Bittu briefed mediapersons about the project. He claimed the company would prepare a detailed project report at its cost, and if found feasible, they will go ahead with the project.

Brar said the company had claimed to treat chemicals of the drain by installing a few treatment plants on its banks, so that no harmful chemical could reach the Satluj river. The company has also conducted a survey over the drain with the help of drones, the report of which will be submitted to MC shortly.

However, it is not the first time a plan has been made for the rehabilitation of Buddha Nullah. Prior to Bittu, former Congress MP from Ludhiana Manish Tewari had also brought a rejuvenation plan, and Rs16 crore was spent as well to clean the chemicals from the drain by putting bacteria inside the water. However, even after completion of the project work, MC is doubtful about the results.

Meanwhile, SAD-BJP leaders took a dig at the move, saying it was aimed at wooing voters. SAD district president Ranjit Dhillon said: “Buddha Nullah is an important problem for residents, and now when elections are approaching, Congress leaders are again taking up the issue just to attract voters.”

Echoing the same, district BJP vice-president Parminder Mehta commented: “MC has failed in providing very basic facilities to city residents, and where they are preparing plans to clean Buddha Nullah by spending huge amount first, they should answer why employees remained on strike.” He said employees are not getting salary on a regular basis, and all development works have come to a standstill, which proves a lot of things.