Illegal units, untreated sewage poison Yamuna in Panipat: Pollution board

Water samples collected from Panipat’s Drain No. 2 at Khojkipur — where the drain merges with the Yamuna — have failed multiple laboratory tests, revealing severe pollution levels. According to a Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) report, critical parameters like Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were found far beyond permissible limits.

The pollution of the Yamuna has emerged as a major concern, especially in the wake of recent Assembly elections in Delhi. Taking note, the Haryana Government has directed officials to identify all points where untreated drains enter the river, in an attempt to reduce pollution levels.

The Yamuna enters Panipat from Rana Majra village and traverses 33 km up to Rakshera village, beyond which it flows into Sonepat district. It is at Khojkipur village that Drain-2 discharges into the river, creating a stark contrast in water colour — a visual indicator of contamination.

The HSPCB report highlights alarming data: BOD at the sampling point was recorded at 60 mg/l, far above the prescribed limit of less than 3 mg/l. The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), ideally zero, was found at 300 mg/l, and the TDS crossed 2000 mg/l, against a safe limit of 650 mg/l. Additionally, water conductivity exceeded 2870, and oil and grease content stood at 42.5, whereas the permissible CPCB limit is 10.

“These findings clearly show that Drain-2 is heavily polluted,” said an HSPCB official.

Panipat has a combined sewage treatment plant (STP) capacity of 168.5 million litres per day (MLD), while the city generates around 100 MLD of sewage. Of this, only 78 MLD is treated; the remaining 21 MLD (2.10 crore litres) is discharged directly into Drain No. 1 and Drain No. 2, according to the HSPCB official.

Environmentalists attribute this pollution to illegal practices. “Scores of unauthorised dyeing units discharge untreated chemical effluents into Drain-2. Moreover, nearly 2 crore litres of untreated sewage flow daily into this drain,” said Varun Gulati, a Delhi-based environmentalist.

“Some industries are even releasing effluents via tankers into the drain. The recent test results clearly confirm the high level of contamination. One look at the foul smell and discolored water is enough to grasp the pollution severity,” Gulati added.

Bhupender Singh Chahal, Regional Officer, HSPCB, confirmed that regular sampling is being conducted at Khojkipur. “BOD, COD, TDS, and other parameters continue to remain above prescribed limits,” he said.

He also revealed that 23 illegal dyeing units, mainly located along Chautala Road and Sector 29 industrial area, have been identified and issued show-cause notices for discharging untreated effluents into the drain.

“Controlling pollution is only possible with public support,” Chahal said. He added that a survey is underway to identify illegal bleaching units, and 47 specific points have already been marked where domestic sewage from colonies enters the drain. The Municipal Corporation has been asked to tap these discharge points.