NGT seeks report on froth in Baddi river

Tribune News Service

Solan, December 18

Taking a strict note of the large-scale froth found floating in the Balad river in Baddi owing to the leakage in the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the District Magistrate and officials of the State Pollution Control Board to ascertain the facts and file a report within a month.

Acting on a complaint received by the tribunal through post, the NGT’s Principal Bench passed these orders on December 14 and also directed the officials to take legal action within a month. The tribunal also directed the officials to ascertain the effectiveness of the CETP and suggest steps needed to check the situation.

The complainant had alleged that the effluents which were toxic in nature had affected the aquatic environment of the area which was an industrial belt.

Large-scale froth was found floating on the Balad river in the rainy season and the pollution officials had served notice on several industrial units as well as the CETP, which had let out toxic effluents into the river.

The case

• Some industrial units in Baddi let out untreated effluents into the Balad river in August-end
• Thick froth was seen flowing on the river surface, adversely affecting the aquatic flora and fauna
• The river confluences into the Sirsa river and the water quality of both rivers was affected
• Pollution officials had also served notice on several industrial units as well as the CETP