Ludhiana, August 14
Budha Nallah is set to get cleaner as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Government moves to stop waste from entering it, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday laying the foundation stone of a ₹65-crore Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Plant at Haibowal, Ludhiana. The project will help address sewer blockage and pollution in the Budha Nallah by scientifically processing 300 tonnes of cattle dung generated daily at the Dairy Complex.
Being developed on 2.5 acres and scheduled to become operational by September 2027, the plant will also give 435 dairy owners new income opportunities under the ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ mission, besides producing around five tonnes of CBG and organic bio-fertiliser every day.
Sharing a few snippets on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, laid the foundation stone of the ₹65-crore Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Plant at Haibowal, Ludhiana, which will be ready by September 2027. Under the ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ mission, the plant will scientifically process 300 tonnes of cattle dung every day. This will prevent waste from entering the Budha Nallah, help resolve the problem of sewer blockages and directly benefit 435 dairy owners. Our government’s people-centric approach to protecting Punjab’s waters and preserving the environment has always stood firmly for the rights of our farmers and will continue to do so.”
Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone of the CBG Plant at Haibowal, Describing the foundation stone laying ceremony as a historic occasion, he said, “Today is a historic day as the foundation stone of the Compressed Biogas Plant is being laid here. I thank the officials of HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited) for playing an important role in the execution of this project. This initiative will prove to be a historic milestone under the Budha Darya Rejuvenation Programme. The project will be developed at a cost of ₹65 crore and is expected to become operational by September 2027.”
Highlighting the role of the Punjab Government in facilitating the project, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The AAP government has provided 2.5 acres of land for the project, and around 300 tonnes of cattle dung generated daily at the Haibowal Dairy Complex will be scientifically processed and disposed of. The project will prevent untreated dung and waste from entering the Budha Nallah, thereby reducing water pollution and improving the environment. It will also significantly improve cleanliness in and around the Dairy Complex.”
Underlining the economic benefits of the project, the Chief Minister said, “Around 435 dairy owners in the area will directly benefit from this project, which is a major step towards the concept of ‘Waste-to-Wealth’. Scientific utilisation of cattle dung will create new sources of income for dairy farmers. The plant will produce organic bio-fertiliser, helping reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers, improve soil fertility and promote organic farming. The plant will generate approximately five tonnes of Compressed Biogas every day and create new opportunities for direct and indirect employment for the youth.”
Reiterating his government’s commitment to environmental protection, he said, “Our government remains firmly committed to making Punjab greener and pollution-free. This project will also give a major boost to green investment in Punjab. This is not merely a gas plant; it is a testimony to our commitment to making Punjab pollution-free, greener and economically stronger.”
Talking about green energy and environmental protection, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “More such plants will be installed across Punjab to promote green energy on one hand and curb the menace of pollution on the other. I also appeal to the people to ensure that untreated water is not put into the water sources of the state so that their purity can be maintained for the well-being of every human being.”
He said, “It is unfortunate that the water of the state is no longer potable for drinking and most of the zones are going into the dark zone. When our government assumed office, only 22% of canal water was being used in the state for irrigation, but today this has risen to more than 88%.”
Highlighting the expansion of canal irrigation infrastructure, the Chief Minister said, “Our government has laid 14,000 kilometres of pipes, equivalent to the distance between Canada and Baghapurana, to provide canal water to farmers. In addition to this, another 7,000 kilometres of pipes will be laid by the end of this year. We have laid pipes and watercourses across Punjab to facilitate farmers in every nook and corner of the state, and this is benefiting them greatly by catering to their irrigation needs. Recharge points have been kept in canals and rivers so that the water level can be enhanced, and 21 lakh cusecs of water has been recharged, enhancing the water level by two to four metres.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out, “Our government is constructing more than 43,000 kilometres of roads, with contractors being made responsible for their maintenance.”
Speaking about employment generation, he pointed out, “The state government has provided more than 69,000 jobs to the youth of Punjab completely on the basis of merit, without any recommendation or corruption. The AAP is a product of the anti-corruption crusade and is working tirelessly for empowering the common man. Our government works for the welfare of every section of society and does not believe in vendetta politics or putting false cases against people or political opponents.”