The state has three major rivers, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. The Sutlej is the most polluted. A large number of migratory birds come to Ropar, besides the Harike barrage. But due to pollution, only some birds can be seen at the barrage.

The Ghaggar is a major water body that causes havoc in the Malwa belt. It is also highly polluted because of effluents discharged by units and untreated sewage from cities and towns situated along its banks.

Environment experts are unanimous that saving the rivers has not been on the agenda of the regimes. Holding seminars in air-conditioned rooms without actual action is meaningless, they point out.

The Sutlej being acknowledged as the most polluted river of Punjab by the National River Conservation, the Directorate of the Ministry of Environment, the Sutlej Action Plan was launched in October 1996. It called for having main sewers, sewerage treatment plants (STPs), effluent distribution channels, pumping stations, capping of open drains, low-cost sanitation, afforestation, construction of crematoria and creating public awareness.

The plan estimate was Rs 22,937.61 lakh, with Rs 16,422.14 lakh for Ludhiana alone. But after 13 years, only one STP has been built and there is no word about the remaining two plants.

The Buddha Nullah, which flows through Ludhiana and once was a clear stream, is a virtual drain of sorrow for Ludhianavis. It is sans aquatic life due to the presence of heavy metals and harmful chemicals and material. In this case too, the state has done nothing with the Punjab and Haryana High Court taking took suo motu notice of pollution reports in the media and forming a committee to suggest measures to undo the damage.

The city being an industrial hub, the industrialists’ lobby became active and action on the report, which reportedly recommended shifting of all polluting units elsewhere, was scuttled.

Polluting units in Patiala, Amritsar and Mandi Gobindgarh have not been shifted. Ludhiana and Mandi Gobindgarh are said to be the most polluted towns. Industry is the main cause of water and air pollution in the case of Mandi Gobindgarh. Units are responsible for air pollution.

The Ravi flows in the border belt and is largely free from pollution as there are no units in the area. The Beas too is free from pollution as it too flows in areas free from polluting units. It becomes highly polluted after meeting the Sutlej at the Harike barrage.

Air and ground water pollution in Punjab is on the high side. Subsoil water of 108 blocks has been declared grey, meaning more ground water was being pumped than was replenished.

In the Malwa belt there is the problem of plenty and many areas are waterlogged due to seepage from the canals in the area. No steps have been taken to address the problem.

Burning of paddy straw and wheat stubble is another threat to ecology. Every kharif and rabi season, lakhs of hectares with stubble are set ablaze to clear fields polluting air and harming the health of soil.

Also 25 lakh to 30 lakh vehicles in the state add to air pollution. Scooters, motorcycles and two-stroke engine vehicles comprise more than 80 per cent of vehicles in the state. Cars and jeeps account for 8 per cent pollution and trucks and buses 4 per cent. Mostly vehicles are not fuel-efficient and source of harmful emissions.

Use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and insecticides for farming also adds to water and air pollution. The situation needs remedy before the point of no return.