Ludhiana: Activists in this city have criticised the recently completed road along Buddha Dariya, accusing city officials of a wasteful approach that compromised the drain’s width, left encroachments untouched, and ignored pollution concerns. The project, activists allege, prioritises political interests over public health and environmental integrity.
Following the completion of road construction from Kundanpuri Bridge to Haibowal Bridge along Buddha Dariya, the Buddha Dariya Action Front (BDAF) has raised concerns over alleged compromises in the project’s design and execution, arguing that the narrower drain that was left risks worsening local pollution and flooding.
The members of the BDAF claimed that their weekly silent protests had highlighted what they viewed as an “eyewash” effort by the local administration, accusing its officials of wasting public funds and enabling encroachment rather than addressing longstanding drainage and pollution issues. “The Buddha Dariya’s width has been significantly reduced in some areas to accommodate the road, while black water continues to flow unchecked into the drain,” said Colonel C M Lakhanpal, a BDAF activist. He said: “The project has become a political tool that neglects the basic health and safety needs of the community.”
Fellow activist Mahinder Singh Sekhon criticised the lack of basic amenities along the new road, noting, “The road is already turning into a public urinal, and garbage lines the sides. Constructing this road without sanitation facilities and garbage collection is futile.”
Despite these complaints, officials from the Municipal Corporation (MC) maintain that the road was properly constructed and argue it will ease traffic congestion. They assert that the drain’s width was not reduced and believe residents will see benefits once traffic shifts to the new road. Former councillors had raised similar concerns after witnessing flooding during the last monsoon. Activists claim that officials have yet to take these observations seriously, leading to ongoing dissatisfaction among the local community.