Ludhiana: Muck, overflowing drains choke Tajpur dairy complex roads

On April 30, 2026, the Tajpur dairy complex in Ludhiana faced widespread drainage overflow, leaving muck including cow dung and dairy waste up to a foot deep along streets. Workers were forced to push carts through the filth and carry supplies on their heads, with slipping reported as they navigated the muck-covered lanes. Dairy Union president Lovely Singh attributed the problem to inadequate, narrow drains and a lack of proper slope that prevents waste from reaching the effluent treatment plant; he noted that waste often spills onto roads and, during rain, flows directly into the drain instead of the designated treatment path. The complex houses around 160 dairy units and an estimated 15,000 to 18,000 cattle. MLA Daljeet Singh Grewal said he discussed the matter with sewerage board officials, and the municipal corporation would clean the streets and remove cow dung and solid waste blocking drains, after which the drains should function properly. Executive engineer Balraj Singh said the drains were not designed to carry solid waste, adding that dairy workers wash units and flush dung into drains, causing jams and stagnant muck on the streets. Officials also noted that a compact biogas plant for on-site processing is planned but would take time; in the interim, dung is to be lifted and transported elsewhere, though dairy operators have refused to place dung outside units for collection, fearing further blockage. Superintending engineer Ekjot Singh said it is not possible to collect dung from inside every unit and that operators were asked to place it outside or use carts for disposal.