Haryana pollution board slaps Rs 2.52 cr fine on Barhi effluent treatment plant

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has imposed an environmental compensation (EC) of Rs 2.52 crore on the 16 MLD Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at Barhi industrial zone. In addition, the board has proposed another Rs 1.20 crore EC against the 10 MLD and 16 MLD CETPs run by the Haryana State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC).

The board has also filed a prosecution in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sonepat, against the 16 MLD CETP for violating discharge standards.

The action follows directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on a complaint filed last year by Delhi-based environmentalist Varun Gulati, who alleged that industries in HSIIDC Barhi were discharging untreated effluents directly into Drain Number 6, which leads to the Yamuna.

Following the NGT’s intervention, joint teams of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and HSPCB carried out inspections of industrial units and CETPs in the area.

The analysis reports revealed high levels of BOD, COD, TDS and heavy metals, indicating contamination of storm water with untreated or partially treated effluents.

During inspections of 74 textile units, 69 were found non-complying, while 25 out of 39 other industries also failed to meet standards. In total, 94 of 113 industrial units were found to be violating norms.

Samples collected from the inlets and outlets of the 16 MLD and 10 MLD CETPs also exceeded prescribed limits.

According to the Regional Officer (RO), Sonepat, the HSPCB is monitoring both CETPs on a monthly basis.

“With the assistance of consultants engaged by HSIIDC, an operational assessment of the 16 MLD CETP has been carried out. HSIIDC has undertaken measures for its maintenance,” the RO said in his report.

He added that HSIIDC is hopeful of stabilising the CETP’s discharge within prescribed norms in the coming months.