Chandigarh, 5 November 2025:
The High-Level Committee (HLC) for the Rejuvenation of Buddha Dariya has reported substantial progress toward restoring the ecological health of the water body. As per the review conducted recently, nearly 90% of the decisions taken during the July–August 2025 meetings have been implemented.
The HLC was constituted by the Government of Punjab through notification dated July 14, 2025. It is chaired by Sh. Sanjeev Arora Minister for Industries & Commerce, Punjab, with the Chief Secretary, Punjab, as Vice-Chairperson. Senior officials from the Departments of Local Government, Water Resources, Science & Technology, PPCB, PEDA, PWD (B&R), PDC, IIT Ropar, and the Deputy Commissioner and Municipal Commissioner of Ludhiana are members—ensuring political leadership, administrative authority, and technical expertise.
Key Achievements from July to October 2025 are as Infrastructure Upgradation project amounting to Rs. 650/- crore has been completed. Gaughat Intermediate Pumping Station is now fully operational. Slope and drainage issues at critical points resolved through continuous monitoring. NIH Roorkee study confirms no under-capacity in existing STPs.
Disclosing on Cow Dung & Dairy Waste Management, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora added that 100% implementation of zero-discharge policy has been adopted. Door-to-door collection is operational across Municipal limits. Long-term management partner being onboarded through RFP; award expected by end of November 2025. 21 illegal discharge points identified and FIRs registered after a joint departmental walking survey.
He said that Action Against Illegal Dairies Outside City Limits have been taken in which 71 out of 76 illegal dairies closed by the district Task Force. Remaining 5 found to be non-polluting and are under watch.
He revealed that CBG Plants & Long-Term Waste-to-Energy Solutions have been explored and existing 200 MTPD CBG plant have been fully operational. HPCL’s 300 MTPD CBG plant construction started; another similar plant to begin shortly. PEDA facilitated clearances and approvals for these investments.
Strengthening on Industrial Effluents & CETP Compliance, he informed that CETPs of 15 MLD, 40 MLD, and 50 MLD now showing compliant BOD/COD levels as per PPCB monitoring, though consistency is being further strengthened. CETPs exploring additional technologies to reduce TDS and move towards ZLD. TWIC (Tamil Nadu Water Investment Company) being engaged to prepare a roadmap for advanced effluent management.
Sharing more details about Action Against Electroplating Units, he said digital mapping of electroplating units have been completed. Inspections are being conducted; non-compliant units sealed and legal action initiated by PPCB & Municipal Corporation.
Scientific Assessment & Digital Monitoring has been conducted by IIT Ropar onboarded for source apportionment and pollution analysis. Initial findings expected by November 2025 and final report by Q2 2026. Pollution sources are now being digitally tracked for ountability.
Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said that these efforts are already showing results. For example BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) decreased consistently from 155 in January 2025 to being consistently below 50mg/L in October 2025. Similarly, COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) has decreased from 400mg/L to 150mg/L. TSS (Total Suspended Solids) has moved from 300mg/L to ~150mg/L. These are extremely encouraging results.
With 7 HLC meetings held in the last 4 months, the rejuvenation of Buddha Dariya has moved from infrastructure creation to strict enforcement, digital monitoring, and long-term ecological restoration, he added.
Sh. Sanjeev Arora stated that the Punjab Government is committed to achieving a balance between environmental protection and industrial development, creating a win-win model for ecology and economy.
