NGT appoints amicus curiae to help check effluent discharge in Markanda

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has appointed amicus curiae to assist the tribunal in the matter related to discharge of untreated effluent into the Markanda.

An Ambala resident had raised the issue of discharge of untreated waste water into the holy river Markanda at Naraingarh, hurting the religious sentiments.

Violations by industrial units

Subsequent reports were filed in which violations on the part of some industrial units were shown. Nine industrial units were impleaded as respondents. In the present matter, considering gravity, importance and serious issues raised, we find it appropriate to appoint an amicus curiae. -- NGT order

Following the complaint, the NGT had formed a joint committee -- comprising officials of central agencies, pollution control boards of Haryana and Himachal, and environment, irrigation, industries departments and DCs of Nahan, Ambala and Kurukshetra -- to look into the issues like floodplain zone, encroachments, discharge of untreated sewage or industrial effluents into the Markanda, rejuvenation measures and operational efficiency of treatment plants.

As per a report submitted before the NGT, 38 discharge points carrying untreated domestic effluent and merging into the Markanda or its tributaries were identified and reported to the joint committee from Panchkula, Ambala and Kurukshetra. While 13 discharge points have been tapped, the action plan for the remaining 25 discharge points has been submitted by the stakeholder departments.

The discharge from Mahesh Nagar, Shahpur Drain and Machhonda drains in the Ambala Sadar area has been a matter of concern for the pollution control board as the upcoming facilities to treat the discharge is insufficient. As per the information, four STPS are coming up for three points with a capacity of 44 MLD against the discharge of 90 MLD of untreated discharge. For the remaining 46 MLD of unattended discharge, the Ambala Sadar MC is taking up the matter with PHED under AMRUT 2.0 Scheme.

The NGT’s order reads: “Subsequent reports were filed in which violations on the part of some industrial units were shown. Nine industrial units were impleaded as respondents. In the present matter, considering gravity, importance and serious issues raised, we find it appropriate to appoint an amicus curiae. We accordingly appoint Sharad Chauhan as amicus curiae to assist tribunal.”

The next hearing will be held on December 19. Regional Officer, Ambala, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Ajay Singh, said: “A joint committee was formed by the NGT and following the observations and recommendations, action plans were obtained from the departments concerned. The teams have collected the fresh effluent samples of all the discharge points before falling into the Markanda or its tributaries along with assessment of quantum of effluent being discharged. The board will do monthly monitoring and review all the points. The directions of the NGT will be complied with.”