Discrepancies in sewage infra across Yamuna basin states: Report

Neeraj Mohan

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New Delhi, February 9

The Yamuna, a lifeline for millions, is facing a severe pollution crisis exacerbated by deficient sewage treatment plants (STPs), common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) and agricultural practices in key states of Haryana, UP, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. This has been revealed by a parliamentary committee report that has shed light on the alarming gap in sewage generation and treatment capacities.

‘Need for optimised treatment’

• Sewage treatment challenges are compounded by stark gap between sewage generation and treatment capacities.
• The committee underscores the urgency of addressing these gaps, emphasising the need for optimised sewage treatment to safeguard the health of the Yamuna and mitigate environmental hazards

The report revealed that these states did not have the required infrastructure to manage the sewage as the capacity of the STPs in these state was not as per the requirement. In Delhi, 22 out of the 35 STPs were non-complying, in Haryana, with 156 STPs, a staggering 64 were non-complying units.

In UP, only 27 of the 130 STPs are adhering to the compliance standards. Even states like Uttarakhand and HP face their challenges, with 30 and 22 non-complying STPs out of 69 and 75, respectively.

The sewage treatment challenges are compounded by the stark gap between sewage generation and treatment capacities. In Delhi, the sewage generation stands at 3600 MLD, the treatment capacity is only 2,874 MLD, creating a substantial gap of 726 MLD. UP faces a gap of 1425.5 MLD, while Haryana, despite having excess capacity, struggles with a 41 MLD gap due to under-utilisation.

The committee underscores the urgency of addressing these gaps, emphasising the need for optimised sewage treatment to safeguard the health of the Yamuna and mitigate environmental hazards.

The report highlights the annual inspection of Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) operating in Yamuna main stem states — Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi-NCT, and UP. It points out that of the 1,660 GPIs inspected in 2020-21, 1,655 in 2021-22, and 1,957 in 2022-23, substantial freshwater consumption and effluent discharge were observed. The report stresses the need for stricter regulation and enforcement.

It reveals the issue of industrial clusters and common effluent treatment plants (ETPs), as of the 50 industrial clusters in Yamuna main stem states, only 29 are connected to the CETPs treating wastewater. The report raises concerns about the non-compliance of the CETPs, with only 19 of the 33 operational ones adhering to the prescribed standards. In Delhi, 28 approved industrial areas contribute to the pollution.

The UP Pollution Control Board’s submission mentions in the report that sewage contributes approximately 80 per cent of the total pollution load in the Yamuna in UP. The report identifies 137 drains discharging into the river, with 18 carrying mixed wastewater and 17 purely domestic sewage. In Haryana, drains No. 2 and 8 are shown as significant sources of pollution.

As for HP, the report notes lack of corrective measures in areas like Paonta Sahib and the need for effective implementation of the Yamuna Action Plan. In Delhi, 22 drains empty into the Yamuna, with only nine trapped, highlighting gap in controlling the discharge.

The report addresses the Upper Yamuna River Board’s (UYRB) manpower shortage as another contributing factor to increased pollution. The abolition of 36 posts and the underutilisation of sanctioned posts adversely impact the UYRB’s effectiveness. It concluded by noting the absence of State Yamuna Committees and District Yamuna Committees.