Industrial waste discharged into drains amid inadequate treatment infrastructure
The release of untreated industrial and chemical waste into drains and sewage networks continues, despite claims of strict regulations and the availability of treatment infrastructure in the industrial hub. The Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) has yet to develop a second Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) to increase treatment capacity.
While two CETPs are operational for industrial units, many parts of the city still suffer from inadequate or non-functional sewage and effluent treatment systems. This results in the discharge of untreated waste into drains, according to sources in the industrial sector. A recent incident, where untreated red-coloured chemical waste was released into a drain has raised concerns that a factory may not have been using the mandatory Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), which is a requirement for operational approval.
The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) issues a 'Consent to Operate' (CTO) to industrial or commercial units only after they have installed the necessary ETP or Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). However, environmental activist Narender Srohi claims many industrial units, both in conforming and non-conforming zones, frequently fail to use these treatment facilities, resulting in untreated waste being discharged into drains, sewage lines and even irrigation canals. He suggests the non-use of treatment infrastructure is likely driven by cost-cutting measures, as operating ETPs or STPs increases production costs.
ETPs are mandatory for units that discharge liquid waste, while STPs are required for units with a workforce exceeding a specified limit. Currently, around 640 industrial units in the city, including 360 in the Ballabgarh zone and 280 in Faridabad, are reported to have either an ETP, STP or both.
The two operational CETPs include one in the IMT sector, set up by HSIIDC with a capacity of 10.5 million litres per day (MLD) and another in the electroplating zone of Sector 58, with a capacity of 7 MLD. "Tenders for the establishment of another CETP in IMT will be issued soon," said Hari Kishan, Manager at HSIIDC.
HSPCB Regional Officer Sandeep Singh stated action is taken promptly against offenders as soon as complaints are received. He said over the past year, 30 polluting units in the Faridabad zone have been closed or sealed.
