7-day show-cause notice issued to treatment plant

The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) has issued a final seven-day show-cause notice to the management of the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) for repeatedly failing to comply with prescribed pollution control norms. The plant, meant to treat industrial wastewater, has been under scrutiny for continuous violations spanning over a year.

Member Secretary Praveen Chander Gupta, in orders issued on September 27, noted that effluent samples collected from the plant’s final outlet were consistently found non-compliant with the laid standards between September 14, 2023, and April 3, 2024, as well as from July 31, 2024, to August 28, 2025. The SPCB conducts monthly sampling to monitor the plant’s functioning.

Officials expressed concern that these repeated lapses have caused significant environmental damage and violated Sections 25 and 26 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The board has warned that such violations attract penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15 lakh, with an additional Rs 10,000 per day if non-compliance continues. Environmental compensation will also be imposed following National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines under the “polluter pays” principle.

“Given the environmental impact, the plant has been given a final opportunity to explain its position within seven days before legal and penal action is initiated,” said Gupta, adding that the plant’s response is currently under examination. The CETP, established to scientifically treat industrial effluent, has long faced criticism for chronic malfunctioning, leaking pipelines, and its failure to meet NGT and SPCB standards—issues that remain unresolved despite repeated interventions.