Ludhiana, Aug. 15 -- Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday laid the foundation stone of a Rs.65-crore Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Plant at Haibowal, Ludhiana, aimed at tackling Buddha Nullah pollution. Mann said the project will scientifically process 300 tonnes of cattle dung generated daily at the Haibowal Dairy Complex, thereby addressing sewer blockage and pollution in the stream. Being developed on 2.5 acres and scheduled to become operational by September 2027, the plant will 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. Addressing the gathering after laying the plant's foundation stone, Mann thanked the officials of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited for playing an important role in the execution of this project. Highlighting Punjab government's role in facilitating the project, the chief minister said, "The government has provided 2.5 acres of land for the project. 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 project's economic benefits, Mann said the scientific utilisation of cattle dung will create new income sources for dairy farmers. The plant will generate approximately 5 tonnes of CBG every day and create new direct and indirect employment opportunities for the youth, he added. It will also produce organic bio-fertiliser, helping reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers, improve soil fertility and promote organic farming, he shared. Reiterating his government's commitment to environmental protection, Mann said, "The 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." Mann stated, "More such plants will be installed across Punjab to promote green energy on the 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 state's water sources so that their purity can be maintained for the well-being of every human being." Highlighting the prudent utilisation of public money, the chief minister said, "The AAP government is optimally utilising every single penny of the state exchequer for the well-being of the people. More than 90% of households in Punjab are getting free power, and even farmers are getting power during the daytime, which is unprecedented. People's money is coming back to the people through development, schools, hospitals and roads." While exuding confidence that the Aam Aadmi Party will again form the government in 2027 and the Opposition's deposits will be forfeited, Mann said, "Earlier governments used to only plan such projects, but instead of using the money for development, they pocketed it, putting the state's development at risk." Cabinet ministers Aman Arora and Hardeep Singh Mundian, and Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal were also present on the occasion....