BTTM Students Visit Buddha Nala, Raise Concern Over Pollution
The first-year BTTM students visited Buddha Nala as part of an educational trip to understand the effects of pollution. The group left college at 9:30 am and reached the river at 10:12 am. The visit was guided by environmental expert Dr. V.P. Mishra.
City Air News
Apr 1, 2026 10:17
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Ludhiana, April 1,2026: The first-year BTTM students visited Buddha Nala as part of an educational trip to understand the effects of pollution. The group left college at 9:30 am and reached the river at 10:12 am. The visit was guided by environmental expert Dr. V.P. Mishra.
Dr. Mishra explained that Ludhiana has three government Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and four private Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs). These plants are supposed to treat waste before releasing it, but untreated water is still being discharged into Buddha Nala and the Sutlej river.
He said many industries secretly release their waste into the city’s sewage system. Since STPs cannot treat harmful industrial chemicals, polluted water ends up in the river. He also shared that before 1990, the river was clean and used by local people for daily needs.
During the visit, students saw dirty, dark water being released into the river from two points. At Buddha Nala Bridge, Akuwal, plastic waste like bags and bottles were found blocking the flow of water. The river looked polluted and had a strong foul smell.
Later, the group visited the Sutlej twin bridges at Grag Alias Dhagara, where construction work was affecting the river’s natural flow.
In a question-answer session, students asked about filing an RTI. Dr. Mishra encouraged them to take such steps. When asked why treatment plants are not working properly, he said it is mainly due to greed and poor management.
The visit ended with a strong message for students to stay aware, speak up, and take small steps to protect the environment. It was an eye-opening experience that inspired them to be more responsible citizens and work towards a cleaner and healthier future.
