Effluent being discharged into drain leading to Yamuna at Barhi

Despite efforts by the authorities, untreated industrial effluent is being discharged into Drain No. 6, leading to the Yamuna, in the HSIIDC Industrial Estate at Barhi. The effluent is reportedly being discharged through stormwater drains.

This was revealed during a surprise inspection conducted by HSPCB and HSIIDC officials recently. Sources said the team, led by Ajay Malik, Regional Officer (RO), HSPCB, inspected the final discharge point of the HSIIDC at Bhogipur village, where effluent is discharged into Drain No. 6 through an underground pipeline, which finally merges into the Yamuna.

The team collected a sample of water, which was brown and emitted foul smell. The officials also interacted with local farmers, who complained about the water and claimed that untreated effluent was being discharged by the HSIIDC, especially during late evening and at night.

The team also inspected the Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) at the HSIIDC and found the 16 MLD (million litres per day) plant non-functional. No effluent discharge was found at the CETP outlets. The team suspects that bypass arrangements may have been made for the disposal of untreated effluent through underground pipeline laid down for stormwater disposal. The water samples have been sent to a laboratory.

CETP operators said they were not receiving a considerable amount of effluent at the inlet due to the festival season. Pradeep Dagar, Member Secretary, HSPCB, said all Regional Officers (ROs), especially in the district adjoining the Yamuna, had been directed to curb pollution in the drains leading to the river.