Haryana: Illegal effluent discharge points on 11 drains polluting Yamuna identified

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has identified all illegal effluent discharge points along 11 major drains that ultimately flow into the Yamuna, pinpointing untreated sewage, solid waste and industrial effluents as key contributors to the river’s pollution.The identification exercise was carried out under the supervision of the River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), headed by the Haryana Chief Secretary, which has also prepared a comprehensive, drain-wise action plan to curb the pollution load. The report has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and officials of departments concerned have been directed to meet time-bound targets.According to the HSPCB report, the Dhanaura Escape drain carries effluents from the twin cities of Jagadhri and Yamunanagar, passing through Karnal district before meeting the Yamuna at Jadoli village. Of the total 104.5 million litres per day (MLD) effluent it carries, only 38.5 MLD is treated, while 66 MLD of untreated waste enters the river. The average Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) level in the drain is 110 mg/l.Drain No. 2, flowing through Karnal and Panipat districts, carries effluents from Karnal, Gharaunda and Panipat towns before merging with the Yamuna at Khojkipur village. It carries 185 MLD effluent, of which 161 MLD is treated and 24 MLD remains untreated. The BOD level stands at 73 mg/l. A total of 105 illegal discharge points — 51 in Panipat and 54 in Karnal — together contribute over 24 MLD of effluent.Drain No. 6 traverses Panipat and Sonepat districts, carrying effluents from Samalkha and Sonepat towns. Of the 153 MLD it carries, 50 MLD is untreated. The drain has a BOD level of 106 mg/l, with 25 illegal discharge points accounting for 18.21 MLD.The Mungeshpur drain, originating in Sonepat and passing through Jhajjar, carries 73.2 MLD effluent, including 46.2 MLD untreated waste. Its BOD level is 58 mg/l, and 38 discharge points have been identified. The KCB drain flowing through Rohtak and Jhajjar carries 22.2 MLD effluent, with minimal untreated waste, but still has 34 discharge points.Drain No. 8 in the Gurugram region carries 110 MLD effluent, of which 22.5 MLD is untreated. Discharge points have also been identified from Bahadurgarh, Rohtak and Panipat areas.The Leg-I, II and III drains of Gurugram show alarming pollution levels, with untreated effluent and BOD levels ranging from 118 mg/l to 170 mg/l. Budhiya Nala and Gaunchi drains also contribute significant untreated waste despite partial treatment facilities.The RRC has directed immediate corrective measures to plug illegal discharge points and reduce pollution inflow into the Yamuna.

Haryana: Illegal effluent discharge points on 11 drains polluting Yamuna identified

Drain-wise action plan prepared, report sent to Home Ministry

Mukesh Tandon

Tribune News Service

Haryana: Illegal effluent discharge points on 11 drains polluting Yamuna identified

Drain-wise action plan prepared, report sent to Home Ministry

Mukesh Tandon

Tribune News Service

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