NGT observations vindicate concerns over Buddha Nullah pollution; Punjab must ensure strict implementation: MP Vikram Sahney
24 July 2026
NGT observations vindicate concerns over Buddha Nullah pollution; Punjab must ensure strict implementation: MP Vikram Sahney
Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha received a reply from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to his Parliament Question which reaffirmed the seriousness of the pollution in Ludhiana’s Buddha Nullah and highlighted the need for stronger implementation by the Punjab Government.
Dr. Sahney informed that the reply reveals that the National Green Tribunal (NGT), in its order dated 13 January 2026, directed the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to impose and recover environmental compensation from defaulting industries. It further states that repeated inspections by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) found all four Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) in Ludhiana to be non-compliant with prescribed discharge standards, following which CPCB issued directions to PPCB to stop the discharge of untreated effluents into Buddha Nullah.
Dr. Sahney welcomed the constitution of the High-Level Committee by the Punjab Government and noted that the PPCB has imposed environmental compensation of approximately ₹21.18 crore on violating units under the “Polluter Pays Principle.” He urged the State Government to ensure that the Committee submits a time-bound action plan with measurable milestones with clearly defined responsibilities and implementation timelines, along with periodic progress reviews, so that the rejuvenation of Buddha Nullah is no longer delayed and tangible results are achieved.