Barhi effluent treatment plants fail tests again; HSIIDC fined Rs 2.5 cr

In a recurring environmental lapse, both Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) at the Barhi industrial area have once again failed to meet pollution control standards. Recent laboratory tests confirmed that all critical parameters of the treated effluent exceeded the permissible limits, raising serious concerns about unchecked industrial pollution entering the Yamuna river system.

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) reported that industries in the Barhi zone were bypassing the treatment plants by discharging untreated effluent directly into storm water drains. These drains eventually feed into Drain No. 6, which empties into the Yamuna.

Barhi's industrial hub, which houses over 900 units, is equipped with two CETPs — one with a 16 MLD (million litres per day) capacity and the other with 10 MLD. However, both facilities have consistently failed environmental tests for the past three years. According to sources, HSPCB teams have been collecting monthly samples from the CETPs, and each time, the samples have failed to comply with mandated pollution norms.

In response to these repeated violations, the HSPCB has imposed an environmental compensation penalty of over Rs 2.5 crore on the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC). The board has also initiated legal proceedings against HSIIDC officials and contractors responsible for CETP maintenance.

The matter escalated after environmentalist Varun Gulati filed a complaint, prompting a joint inspection by the HSPCB and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The findings were alarming: the effluent showed dangerously high levels of pollutants, including heavy metals, BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). These indicators suggest that untreated effluent is being illegally released through storm water drains — an act that is a direct violation of environmental laws.

“The storm water sample reports clearly demonstrate that effluent is being bypassed from the CETPs. It is flowing directly into Drain No. 6, which is a major contributor to Yamuna pollution,” said Gulati.

Most recently, on March 31, HSPCB again tested the 16 MLD CETP in Barhi and confirmed non-compliance. The issue was prominently raised during a meeting of the River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), where officials cited inaction by HSIIDC as a key factor behind the continued violations.

Pradeep Dagar, Member Secretary of the HSPCB, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. “It is a matter of grave concern. We have held multiple meetings with HSIIDC officials. I personally visited the CETPs at Barhi last month to assess the situation,” he said.

“Environmental Compensation (EC) has been imposed, and prosecution has been filed against the concerned HSIIDC officials. They have also been directed to take corrective measures immediately,” Dagar added.