Effluent treatment plants at Barhi under NGT scanner for violations

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to collect inlet and outlet samples of the 16 MLD and 10 MLD common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) installed in HSIIDC Barhi, Gannaur, to verify compliance with primary effluent treatment plant (PETP) standards. The CPCB has also been asked to examine the final mode of disposal of treated effluents and verify disclosures made in the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) report submitted on August 23.

The directions came on a plea filed by Delhi-based environmentalist Varun Gulati, who alleged that industries and CETPs in HSIIDC Barhi were discharging untreated effluents into drain number 6, which leads to the Yamuna.

Following the complaint, the NGT had earlier ordered inspections by joint teams of CPCB and HSPCB. Their analysis revealed high levels of BOD, COD, TDS, and heavy metals, pointing to contamination of stormwater with untreated or partially treated industrial effluents.

The joint committee found 113 industrial units non-complying, while samples collected from both CETPs were above prescribed limits. Based on this, HSPCB reported on August 23 that environmental compensation (EC) of Rs 2.52 crore had been imposed on the 16 MLD CETP at Barhi. In addition, EC of Rs 1.20 crore was imposed jointly on the 16 MLD and 10 MLD CETPs, and prosecution proceedings were launched before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sonepat, for violation of discharge standards.

However, the NGT noted that the HSPCB’s progress report did not disclose the period for which the EC had been imposed. The tribunal has now asked the HSPCB to file an updated report within four weeks, specifying the compensation period and recovery status. The case will be heard next on November 11.