* Budda Nullah: DC asked to probe violation of directives *** Vimal Sumbly
* Tribune News Service* Ludhiana February 20 The International Human Rights Organisation (IHRO) today asked the Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner (DC) to investigate the violation of health, human rights and environmental laws in the case of Budda Nullah by the district administration. [image: Polluted water from the Budda Nullah flows into the Sutlej on the outskirts of Ludhiana.] *Polluted water from the Budda Nullah flows into the Sutlej on the outskirts of Ludhiana. — Photo by Sayeed Ahmed* IHRO Chairperson D.S Gill, in a letter to the Deputy Commissioner, said, "It amounted to criminal negligence by public servants as they have failed to prevent this violation", adding that the officials concerned seemed to be hand in glove with the offenders who polluted the water body by throwing loads of industrial waste into it. Despite an interim order by the Punjab and Haryana High Court that no untreated effluents shall be discharged into Budda Nullah, Mr Gill said, the HC order is being flouted by the district administration as it has failed miserably to stop the dumping of industrial waste into the water body. "The Budda Nullah is carrying this hazardous waste into the Sutlej and this polluted water is being supplied to Ferozepore, Muktsar and Faridkot areas, besides to Rajasthan through canals, not only for using it for irrigation but also for drinking purposes", adds the letter to the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Ashok Kumar Gupta. According to the letter, copies of which have been emailed and handed over to Chief Justice Virender Jain and District and Sessions Judge Harbans Lal, this polluted water loaded with industrial effluents, has also posed a threat to migratory birds which arrive at the Harike Wetland during winter months, besides destroying the fauna and flora of the water body and its surroundings. "We, therefore, urge you (DC) to immediately investigate the matter and get criminal cases registered against the offenders so that the order of the Hon'ble HC can be implemented in letter and spirit," said Mr Gill. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, while taking a serious view of the report of Experts Committee appointed by the Punjab State Human Rights Commission had issued directions to the state authorities to stop the discharge of industrial effluents into Budda Nullah forthwith. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070221/ldh.htm
