Ensure STP sewage doesn’t enter Kaushalya river, Himachal pollution control body tells Jal Shakti Dept

The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) has directed the Jal Shakti Department (JSD) to take protective measures to avert accidental discharge of sewage into the Kaushalya river from a sewage treatment plant (STP)located in its proximity.

Taking stern view of the-odd location of the Kamli-based STP, the regional officer of SPCB, Parwanoo, has served a showcause notice to the executing agency, JSD, to take preventive measures. “Since the National Green Tribunal is monitoring the water quality of the said river, the JSD has been asked to ensure that the water quality does not deteriorate due to sewage contamination failing which penal action would be taken against it,” informed Anil Kumar, Regional Officer, SPCB, Parwanoo.

Pertinently, the total coliform in the Kaushalya river in its downstream as per the standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board had been detected at 110 in February 2024 while it hovered between 12 and 46 on other occasions from January 2024 to May 2025. It’s most probable number per 100 ml is supposed to be 50 or less.

The physical inspection of the STP conducted by the board officials on July 17 had revealed violations of the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The STP established at Kamli village near Parwanoo was ready for operation but it lacked prior Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate from the state board. A trial run of the STP had been carried out at the time of inspection without obtaining the requisite consent.

“Absence of protective walls around the STP and its proximity to the river had enhanced the risk of accidental discharge of sewage, particularly during the rainy season. Since water quality results from January 2024 to May 2025 were found in violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, protective measures were direly needed,” observed Kumar.

While the JSD officials have been directed to operate the plant only after obtaining a valid Consent to Operate from the state board, measures like constructing a proper protection wall for the STP are to be taken up in a time-bound manner.