Ludhiana, March 16 -- Despite spending nearly Rs.16 crore on rehabilitation, the 152-MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) at Balloke is still not functioning effectively and untreated or partially treated wastewater continues to flow into the Buddha Nullah, a senior civic body official familiar with the matter said.

The plant, constructed around 2008 under the Sutlej Action Plan, was developed using UASB (Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket) technology and was designed to treat around 152 million litres of sewage per day before discharging the treated water into the Buddha Nullah. However, officials and environmental experts say the plant has been struggling to perform efficiently for several years.

The Balloke site houses multiple treatment fa...