Forty villages in Ludhiana protest against government water plans

Residents from around 40 villages in Ludhiana and Moga districts are protesting against the state government’s plans to divert industrial water for irrigation. The villagers are particularly concerned about the water from the Buddha Nullah, which mixes with the Sutlej River. They fear this water, containing harmful pollutants, will contaminate their groundwater and damage their crops. Karnail Kaur, the village head of Walipur Kalan, expressed strong opposition to the government’s plan. She said the polluted water has already affected their underground water supply, leading to serious health issues in the area. Kaur argued that using this polluted water for irrigation would make their lands even more toxic, threatening the future of their community. The drainage department has been surveying the region recently, which raised concerns among locals. Villagers remember similar surveys happening last year that prompted protests and delayed government actions. They are now organizing to form a coalition against the irrigation plan. If necessary, they are prepared to take legal action by approaching the high court and the National Green Tribunal.