Chandigarh/Ludhiana: In a renewed push to address long-standing environmental concerns, Bhagwant Singh Mann chaired a high-level review involving senior administrative officials from Ludhiana and Jalandhar, focusing on the comprehensive cleaning of the Budha Nullah, the management of the Kala Sanghian drain, and the strengthening of embankments along the Sutlej River. The meeting was attended by noted environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal, whose long-standing work on river rejuvenation in Punjab has been widely acknowledged.
The discussions centered on expediting ongoing infrastructure and environmental restoration projects, particularly sewage treatment and diversion systems linked to the Budha Nullah, one of the most polluted water channels in the state. Officials were directed to fast-track the completion of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)-based interventions to ensure untreated waste no longer flows into natural water bodies.
The Chief Minister emphasised the urgency of reinforcing weak and vulnerable riverbanks along the Sutlej and seasonal streams ahead of the monsoon season. Strengthening embankments, especially the Dhussi bundh system, has been identified as critical to preventing flood risks and safeguarding nearby habitations and agricultural land.
Mann underlined that the state government is committed to delivering visible and measurable outcomes within a defined timeframe. He instructed district administrations and technical departments to maintain strict monitoring of project timelines and ensure that all environmental compliance standards are met without delay.
The presence of Balbir Singh Seechewal added weight to the initiative, as his expertise in community-led river cleaning efforts has been instrumental in shaping similar projects across Punjab. His involvement signals a collaborative approach between the government and environmental stakeholders to restore ecological balance in the region.
Officials indicated that the coordinated strategy includes not only infrastructure upgrades but also long-term sustainability measures such as pollution control, waste management reforms, and community participation. The aim is to transform historically neglected water channels into cleaner and safer ecosystems that contribute to public health and environmental resilience.
Reaffirming his administration’s governance philosophy, Mann stated that development initiatives must directly benefit citizens and reflect accountability at every level. He expressed confidence that the accelerated pace of work would yield tangible improvements in the coming months, particularly in urban sanitation and river conservation.
The initiative forms part of a broader environmental agenda being pursued by the Punjab government, which seeks to address industrial pollution, urban waste discharge, and water contamination through integrated planning and execution.
