Toxics

The Hudiara Drain is a tributary of the River Ravi, which originates at Batala, Gurudaspur District in the state of Punjab, India and enters Pakistan near Lalloo Village. This Drain was originally a storm water drain used for irrigation and domestic purposes draining into the River Ravi, thus contributing to its aquatic health. With the rise in industrial activities on both sides of the international border and in the absence of effective environmental regulations, the storm water drain, over a period of time, has turned into a highly polluted and industrial effluent carrying drain. The drain water is still being used by villagers for irrigation purposes and livestock use.

WWF-Pakistan during the first phase of its project on “Water Quality Monitoring of Hudiara Drain” assessed the environmental health of this drain and had found it to be highly unsatisfactory. It was unfit for irrigation use, had high levels of heavy metals, was biologically contaminated and did not support any aquatic life and was contributing to groundwater contamination also. WWF India in collaboration with Gurunanak Dev University, Amritsar proposed this project on the Indian side to present a complete picture of the drain along with the counterparts in Pakistan and manage the water quality of the drain on both sides effectively. Sensitization of the industrial users regarding the perils of the untreated waste and improvement in the regulation and policy environment form important components of the project. The Hudiara Drain is an ideal case of a transboundary water body that falls within the category “International Waters”. The positive outcomes of this project can also be replicated to other drains/streams/rivers.

Goal of the project:
To reduce the pollution load of Hudiara Drain through active stakeholder participation and Better Management Practices.

Purpose/Objectives of the project:
• To conduct an assessment of the water quality of Hudiara Drain and the sources of pollution of the drain, its impact on livestock and human health and agriculture and to raise awareness among communities, governments and other affected stakeholders on the importance of managing the water quality of the Hudiara Drain;
• To reduce the extent of water contamination of Hudiara drain by sensitising the industries to adopt environmentally friendly waste disposal techniques in collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
• To develop a strategy for the management of water quality of the Hudiara drain and undertake pilot measures for the improvement of water quality of the Drain;
• To demonstrate effective and meaningful collaboration between civil society partners, industry and government by addressing environmental issues of mutual concern.

Project Outputs
• Increased awareness among key stakeholders on the role of government, civil society and the private sector in the management of the water quality of Hudiara Drain.
• Pilot initiatives demonstrating how multiple stakeholders can work together to address water quality issues will be in place.
• A ‘Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) for the Hudiara Drain’ developed in conjunction with Punjab Pollution Control Board and Punjab Council for Science and Technology.