Ludhiana Pursues Water+ Status Amidst Pollution Concerns

Ludhiana's Municipal Corporation is actively working towards achieving the prestigious Water+ certification, a designation for superior wastewater management. This involves ensuring all city sewage is collected and treated, with no untreated water released into local waterways. The civic body has issued a public notice, inviting residents to register objections over a 15-day period before the potential declaration.

Environmentalists have voiced significant opposition, citing evidence of ongoing pollution in the Buddha Dariya river from untreated wastewater and industrial discharge. They question the claims of effective sewage processing and the actual reuse of treated water, suggesting that the city may not meet the stringent standards required.

City officials maintain that Ludhiana has met the necessary criteria, including prior achievements in Open Defecation-Free (ODF) statuses. They anticipate that gaining the Water+ tag will positively impact the city's annual Swachh Bharat Mission rating. Following the objection period and approval from the House, Ludhiana aims to join an elite group of Indian cities recognized for advanced environmental practices.