Untreated sewage being discharged into Ghaggar: Panel

A joint committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has observed that partially untreated sewage was being directly discharged into the Ghaggar river through a pipeline in Zirakpur.

Members of the committee, under the chairmanship of DC Vinay Pratap Singh, carried out a survey of the Sukhna Choe from its origin to the point where it merges into the Ghaggar on September 26, to identify pollutant sources.

In its interim report submitted to the NGT, the committee observed that sewage treatment plant (STP) of 17.3 MLD capacity, which receives the waste of the Zirakpur area, was found to be non-functional and partially untreated sewage was being directly discharged into the Ghaggar river through un underground pipeline of about 3.5 km.

During the visit, the committee observed that heaps of solid waste and other trash were disposed of on the banks of the choe in Baltana area and near the K Area of the military in Punjab.

The committee also visited Gazipur village, which is situated on the banks of the choe, and found slightly unpleasant odour had filled the air due to the dumping of cattle dung in the area.

During a visit to Panchkula area as part of the survey, the committee observed that the Mansa Devi area drain was carrying untreated sewage of about 0.5 MLD into the Sukhna Choe.

The committee recommended that the Zirakpur Municipal Council shall carry out a survey and identify the spots where the solid waste is dumped into the choe, and an ‘iron net’ will be put up alongside the drain in order to prevent the dumping of the waste. The Zirakpur MC shall ensure regular operation and maintenance of the existing STP of 17.3 MLD capacity.

The Punjab Pollution Control Board shall issue directions to the Zirakpur MC/STP operator to take corrective measures in a time-bound manner.

The committee has sought a time period of three months for filing its final report to the NGT.