- विज्ञापन -
Ludhiana, December 3:
Situation remained tense in Ludhiana city the entire day as police turned the city into a fortress as Kale Pani Da Morcha intensified its fight against industrial pollution in Buddha Dariya and held a massive protest on Tuesday.
There was a call to clamp down the sources of industrial waste in Buddha Nullah, especially to block the CETP (Common Effluent Treatment Plant) outlets of dyeing industries and as the Morcha had planned to gather near Verka Milk Plant on Ferozepur Road before marching to block discharge points on Tajpur Road, the police tried to stop the environmentalists and their supporters to gather at Verka Milk Point by installing barricades at various points and detaining some key Morcha leaders. However, the police efforts failed to deter the spirit of nature enthusiasts as they gathered in huge numbers on the Ferozepur Road near Verka Milk Plant in Ludhiana on Tuesday.
Today, activist Amitoj Mann, farmer organization leaders including Balbir Singh Rajewal and others participated in the protest. Besides, key morcha leaders, including Lakha Sidhana, Dr. Amandeep Singh Bains, and Kuldeep Singh Khaira, were allegedly detained by the police.
While on the other side, dying industrialists along with a huge number of their workers gather at Tajpur Road to face the protestors.
Considering the tense situation, a heavy force was deployed in the city, especially on the Ferozepur Road near Verka Milk Plant as well as Tajpur Road CETP plant. Besides, there were several checkpoints and barricades done by the city police at various intersection points. This even paralyzed the traffic situation in the city as long jams were witnessed.
It is for the long time the Morcha activists are protesting against dumping of industrial waste in Buddha Darya and had warned the administration of clamping down the outlets of dyeing industries well in advance, observing no sincere action from authorities, the activists decided to clamp the outlets today.
Activists alleged that despite legal orders for CETPs to stop polluting, industries continue unchecked due to government inaction.
They further blamed the police for bias action stating that the police are detaining those who are protesting against pollution but no action is being taken against those who are causing pollution.
“The industrial effluents are being dumped into Buddha Dariya, which has turned into a toxic black stream and merges with the Sutlej River. This pollution is causing severe health problems, even affecting newborns,” said activist Jaskirat Singh.
After the dialogue with the district administration and the police, the activists have decided to lift up the protest but once all the detained persons are released.
Activists stated that the authorities have sought two days to close a 15 MLD CETP plant at Tajpur Road and seven days for taking legal opinion on other two CETP plants.
The protest was on till the filing of report as according to activists they will lift up the protest once all detainees are released.
