Chandigarh told to ensure compliance with sewage disposal norms

A committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the UT Administration to ensure compliance of the directions regarding discharge of domestic sewage into a nullah.

In a petition filed before the tribunal, Jagdeep Sharma, a resident of Shiwalik Enclave, Chandigarh, alleged discharge of untreated domestic sewage into a stormwater drain/nullah adjacent to Shivalik Enclave, thereby violating provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control) Act, 1974.

The NGT constituted a joint committee comprising the Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula, and the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), to ascertain the factual position, verify compliance and take preventive and remedial action as warranted under the law.

Upon detailed examination of records, site inspection and written department submissions, the joint committee in its report stated that the stormwater drain was found dry during the joint inspection concluded on May 14, and no discharge of untreated sewage or effluent was observed.

The location from which the original complaint arose — Shivalik Enclave, falls within the administrative jurisdiction of Chandigarh. Further, the committed stated that a letter had been sent to the Chandigarh Administration to ensure the compliance of the NGT directions issued in this matter.

The report further stated that the Haryana Shehri Vikash Pradhikaran (HSVP) had confirmed that no sewer/effluent is discharged in the nullah under their jurisdiction. “At present, there is no evidence of continuing environmental violation and the shortcoming identified is already under remedial action,” stated the report.