Despite ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the Buddha Dariya, several pollution points remain a concern, with treated and inadequately treated wastewater from sewer and effluent treatment systems continuing to enter the watercourse.The issue was raised during the 42nd review meeting of the Buddha Dariya Rejuvenation Project, chaired by Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal at the Municipal Corporation’s Zone D office on Thursday. Officials from the MC, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board and police were directed to closely monitor all discharge points and take action against those found polluting the dariya.Recent official monitoring has also shown that pollution levels at some locations remain above prescribed limits. Samples collected in October 2025 showed a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of 90 mg/l and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 280 mg/l downstream of the Haibowal dairy complex. At the Jamalpur STP, downstream BOD was recorded at 24 mg/l. At another monitoring point near the 40 MLD and 50 MLD CETPs, BOD stood at 23 mg/l and COD at 100 mg/l.The pollution is not confined to dairy waste. Official records identify several discharge points along the Buddha Dariya, including outlets linked to the 225 MLD STP and the 40 MLD and 50 MLD CETPs. A recent survey found that many other outlets were seasonal or carried stormwater, but also identified locations where treated effluent, dairy wastewater and overflowing sewage were entering the watercourse.The Central Pollution Control Board has also flagged compliance concerns at Ludhiana’s CETPs. During an inspection in April 2024, three of the four CETPs inspected were found to be exceeding prescribed discharge standards.At Thursday’s meeting, Seechewal directed officials to ensure regular monitoring of all treatment plants and their outlets. He also expressed concern over the continued dumping of cow dung by some dairy operators.He said the government had already engaged a contractor to lift cow dung from the Haibowal and Tajpur Road dairy complexes, leaving no justification for dumping the waste into the dariya.Seechewal said the Buddha Dariya eventually joins the Sutlej, meaning pollution in the watercourse has implications beyond Ludhiana. He directed the MC, PPCB and police to coordinate enforcement efforts and register cases against those found violating the rules.Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Parashar, who is holding the charge of Mayor, and MC Commissioner Ojasvi Alankar attended the meeting. Joint Commissioners Vineet Kumar and Amanpreet Singh, ADCP Sameer Verma, and officials from the PPCB, PWSSB and Soil Conservation Department were also present.The review meeting comes amid wider government efforts to improve the condition of the Buddha Dariya, including measures to strengthen sewage treatment and prevent dairy and industrial waste from entering the watercourse.