Buddha Nullah, once a lifeline for the people of Punjab, has become a symbol of ecological collapse and government apathy. Originating from Ludhiana, Punjab’s industrial hub, this tributary of the Sutlej River is now a toxic waterway, choked with untreated industrial effluents, chemical waste, and untreated sewage. The river has transformed into a channel of poison, killing marine life, contaminating groundwater, and exposing communities to devastating health risks. The tragic story of Buddha Nullah is not just about one river but a cautionary tale of India’s broader ecological decline, institutional corruption, and misplaced developmental priorities. 

Buddha Nullah’s descent into toxicity mirrors the unchecked industrial growth of Ludhiana, often referred to as India’s “Manchester.” Factories producing textiles, dyes, electroplating goods, and chemicals pump untreated waste directly into the nullah. According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board, Buddha Nullah carries 50% of Ludhiana’s untreated sewage and effluents, making it a “river of poison.” The water is black, thick, and laden with pollutants, a far cry from the clean, life-giving water it once carried. 

Jasveer Singh Bhalooria, a senior Punjabi poet and activist, captured the visceral horror of Buddha Nullah after witnessing it during a citizens’ protest: “I saw shock in the eyes of the people who were seeing that river from hell for the first time. The hell that we visualise after death was in front of us for real. Thick wafts of putrid air attacked our sense of smell, and after a period of time, we just couldn’t smell anything.” 

Jaskirat Singh, a leading activist in the movement to save the nullah, described the river as a “toxic cocktail” of chemical waste, untreated sewerage, and heavy metals. The pollutants have seeped into the groundwater, making it undrinkable in vast areas downstream. Villages along the Sutlej have reported skyrocketing cancer rates, infertility, and other chronic illnesses, earning the region the grim moniker of Punjab’s “cancer belt.” 

The ecological catastrophe of Buddha Nullah is emblematic of India’s environmental governance failures. Successive governments in Punjab have ignored the worsening situation, prioritizing industrial growth over sustainable practices. Corruption and inefficiency within regulatory bodies like the Punjab Pollution Control Board have allowed industries to operate with impunity, violating pollution norms without fear of repercussions. 

Residents downstream of Buddha Nullah are paying the price. Farmers, once dependent on the Sutlej for irrigation, now find their crops stunted or destroyed due to the toxic water. Groundwater contamination has forced communities to rely on tanker water, which is neither reliable nor affordable. Health reports from these areas are harrowing: high rates of cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, and congenital disabilities plague entire villages. 

Activists and local communities have not remained silent. In recent months, protests have erupted across Ludhiana and downstream villages, demanding urgent action to clean up Buddha Nullah and hold polluting industries accountable. One such protest, convened by Chandbaja near Walipur Kalan village, saw thousands of people gathering to pressure authorities into finding a permanent solution. 

These protests, however, have been met with resistance from both industrial lobbies and the government. Protestors allege that the authorities are more interested in protecting corporate interests than addressing public health crises. Jaskirat Singh and other activists have criticized the state’s reliance on temporary measures, like installing substandard sewage treatment plants that fail to meet the demands of Ludhiana’s waste output. 

The lack of transparency and accountability has only fueled public anger. In one instance, activists uncovered that several treatment plants were discharging untreated effluents directly back into the nullah, essentially creating a cycle of pollution. 

Buddha Nullah’s story is not an isolated case but part of a larger pattern of environmental degradation in India. Rivers like the Yamuna, Ganga, and Brahmaputra face similar fates, choked with industrial waste, untreated sewage, and plastic. India’s rapid industrialization and urbanization have come at the cost of its natural resources, with rivers, forests, and air bearing the brunt. 

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified 351 river stretches across India as polluted, with many categorized as “severely polluted.” Despite this, enforcement of environmental regulations remains weak. Industrial lobbies wield enormous influence over policymaking, while state pollution boards are chronically understaffed and underfunded. 

Moreover, corruption plays a significant role in perpetuating environmental crises. Industries often bribe officials to overlook violations or manipulate pollution data. This institutionalized corruption undermines the rule of law and leaves vulnerable communities at the mercy of polluters. 

While government apathy persists, grassroots movements have emerged as powerful agents of change. Activists, NGOs, and local communities are working tirelessly to draw attention to environmental issues and demand accountability. In Punjab, organizations like EcoSikh and Baba Seechewal’s Nirmal Kuteya have been at the forefront of efforts to clean rivers and promote sustainable practices. 

The protests surrounding Buddha Nullah are a continuation of this legacy. Activists are not just demanding cleanup operations but also systemic changes to prevent future crises. This includes stricter enforcement of pollution norms, better waste management infrastructure, and transparency in governance. 

Saving Buddha Nullah requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate and systemic issues. First, the Punjab government must prioritize the installation of functional and high-capacity sewage and effluent treatment plants. Industries violating pollution norms must face strict penalties, including closure if necessary. Additionally, community-led monitoring initiatives can ensure accountability and transparency. 

At a broader level, India must rethink its developmental priorities. Environmental sustainability cannot be an afterthought in policymaking. The government must invest in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly industrial practices. Education and awareness campaigns can also play a vital role in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. 

The tragedy of Buddha Nullah is not just a local issue but a global one. As climate change accelerates and natural resources become scarcer, the consequences of environmental degradation will be felt worldwide. Punjab’s plight serves as a warning of what happens when short-term gains are prioritized over long-term sustainability. 

Jasveer Singh Bhalooria’s words encapsulate the urgency of the situation: “The hell that we visualise after death was in front of us for real.” The question is whether we will act in time to prevent this hell from consuming more lives and ecosystems. 

Buddha Nullah stands as a grim reminder of the cost of unchecked industrialization and government apathy. It is a story of ecological collapse, human suffering, and the resilience of communities fighting for their right to clean water and a healthy environment. As protests continue to grow, the people of Punjab are sending a clear message: enough is enough. It’s time for the government to act decisively and ensure that future generations inherit a sustainable and thriving Punjab, not a poisoned legacy.