Untreated effluent discharge: Pollution board issues notices to 220 industries

Several industrial units in the district have been found allegedly discharging untreated effluent into the Dhanaura escape, which ultimately pollutes the Yamuna. Acting on complaints from the public, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has issued notices to 220 industrial units, including metal factories, food and beverage manufacturers, hospitals and hotels.

According to reports, these establishments have been releasing untreated domestic and trade effluent into the Dhanaura escape via the ditch drain, severely affecting the river’s water quality. Sources revealed that some of these industrial units, categorised under the red category of the consent management policy issued on December 4, 2020, have installed effluent treatment plants. However, a number of these treatment plants are reportedly non-operational, leading to untreated effluent being discharged into the sewage system connected to the ditch drain.

Advocate Waryam Singh, state president of the Haryana Anti-Corruption Society, expressed concern over the issue and called for immediate action. "There should be an immediate ban on the release of untreated effluent into sewage systems to protect the environment," he said.

Virender Singh Punia, Regional Officer of the HSPCB, confirmed the issuance of notices to 220 units, warning them against discharging untreated effluent into the Dhanaura escape or anywhere else. "Failing compliance, strict action will be taken under Section 33-A of the Water Act, 1974. Additionally, Environmental Compensation will be imposed as per the policy order dated December 22, 2021," he stated.

Yamunanagar MLA Ghanshyam Dass Arora assured that the government is committed to protecting the environment. "A new Sewage Treatment Plant will soon be installed in the area to address the issue of untreated effluent being released into the Dhanaura escape through the ditch drain," he said.

The district administration and pollution control authorities are under pressure to ensure strict compliance with environmental regulations to safeguard the Yamuna from further pollution.