HSPCB for time-bound plan to check discharge of effluents into Markanda

Nitish Sharma

Ambala, January 22

After 38 locations were identified from where domestic effluents were being discharged into the Markanda river from three districts, the regional office of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has suggested the preparation of a time-bound action plan for tapping, diversion, and treatment to tackle effluents.

NGT panel had identified 42 drains

A joint committee, formed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to check the discharge of domestic and industrial effluents into the river, had identified 42 drains — four in Himachal and 38 in Haryana — carrying effluents and merging into the river or its tributaries, directly or indirectly.

A joint committee formed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to check the discharge of domestic and industrial effluents into the river had identified 42 drains — four in Himachal Pradesh and 38 in Haryana — carrying effluents and merging into the river or its tributaries, directly or indirectly.

The regional office of the board had submitted a detailed status report to the Chairman of the board recently, and also listed the interventions required. As per the report, the 38 discharge points carrying effluents generated from habitations existing in the vicinity of the river and its tributaries in Panchkula, Ambala and Kurukshetra were identified.

The qualitative analysis and sampling of these points had been completed and the reports are awaited from CPCB Laboratory, New Delhi. The quantification, along with the preparation of the action plan, is yet to be done by the departments of Rural Development and Urban Local Bodies.

The report further mentioned that there were 40 sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Panchkula, Ambala, Kurukshetra and Kaithal, with 264 MLD installed capacity, and three common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) in Panchkula and Ambala. The committee, while checking the efficiency of the STPs and CETPs last year, had observed that 13 STPs (10 in Ambala, one in Kurukshetra, and two in Panchkula) were not complying with discharge standards fixed by the board. Three CETPs (one in Panchkula and two in Ambala) were also non-compliant.

Ajay Singh, Regional Officer (HSPCB), Ambala, said, “A status report and the interventions required for the river have been submitted to the higher authorities. The observations of the committee and the action to be taken by the departments concerned are being taken up. The committee has also spotted illegal mining and unauthorised disposal of lime sludge in the river. This is an interstate matter. The next date of hearing is in March and an action plan will be submitted before the NGT.”