A survey conducted by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has identified 47 locations where untreated sewage is being directly discharged into Drain-1, leading to pollution in the Yamuna.

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To address this issue, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Virender Kumar Dahiya has formed a special team comprising the Regional Officer (RO) of HSPCB, RTA, XEN Irrigation, and DSP Samalkha to curb the pollution.

“During inspections, six tankers were caught dumping untreated industrial effluent into the drains and have been impounded,” said Bhupender Singh Chahal, Regional Officer (RO) of HSPCB.

Additionally, 13 industrial units in Israna, Balana and Kurar were found operating without obtaining the necessary Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the pollution board. Notices have been issued to these units under the Water Act, Chahal said.

The Municipal Corporation (MC) has so far managed to tap only five out of the 47 discharge points. The Yamuna enters Panipat from Rana Majra village and flows through 33 km of the district before entering Sonepat. The city’s sewage treatment plants (STPs) have a total capacity of 168.8 MLD, while the total sewage discharge is just over 100 MLD — well within the STP capacity.

However, a report by the HSPCB reveals that only 70.5 MLD of sewage is reaching the STPs, while the remaining 31% is being directly discharged into Drain-1. This includes 11.5 MLD from urban areas and 20.11 MLD from rural areas, making it a major source of pollution in the Yamuna.

Last month, Chief Principal Secretary to CM Nayab Singh Saini held a meeting with district officials, directing them to survey and tap sewage discharge points.

The HSPCB has now submitted the list of 47 points to the MC for immediate action, sources said. Meanwhile, Dahiya confirmed that the SDM Samalkha is identifying land for three pond systems, which will clean nearly 50% of the sewage before it reaches the Yamuna at Khojkipur.

“Canters have been impounded for discharging untreated effluent, and an investigation is underway. Strict action will follow against violators,” the DC warned.

The government has also announced plans to construct a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in Panipat, aiming to improve wastewater management and reduce pollution in the Yamuna.