Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has ordered the constitution of a Special Task Force (STF) to free the Buddha Nullah of polluting effluents in a mission mode.
The task force, with Baba Udai Singh of Naamdhari Sect as its patron, will submit its report to the Chief Minister within two months. Baba Udai Singh, who met the Chief Minister on Monday evening, had accepted the request to act as the patron.
The Chief Minister has directed the Chief Secretary Karan Avtar Singh to constitute the task force, consisting of elected representatives, technocrats and public figures.
The task force has been mandated to study and suggest measures to address issues of treating industrial effluents, solid waste management, besides ways to proactively engage with the public at large in this cause.
The CM also asked local Government Department to submit proposal to enhance existing capacity of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) from current 516 MLDs to 675 MLDs, besides augmenting treatment facilities for industrial effluents.
Amarinder directed both Local Bodies and Industries Departments to expeditiously complete all the ongoing works being carried out to flush out toxic substances from the Buddha Nullah.
He also asked the Principal Secretary (Water Resources) to draw up a detailed plan for a lasting remedy for channelling and beautification of the 14 kms of length of the Nullah, which flows through the city.
Underlining the need to find a lasting solution to the long-standing problem, the Chief Minister said that it was time to proactively engage industry representatives and public to complement the government’s efforts in providing safe and healthier drinking water to all.
Taking part in the deliberations, Baba Udai Singh pledged his full support and cooperation in the government’s endeavours towards this noble cause. The Chief Minister assured him of all assistance in accomplishing this gigantic task in a time-bound manner.
Principal Secretary Water Resources informed the meeting that at present, close to 700 MLDs water was flowing in the Nullah, of which 80 per cent was coming from municipal sewerage with industries contributing around 15 per cent.
