Effluents from Haryana draining into plants supplying water to President, PM

Tribune News Service

Bhartesh Singh Thakur

Chandigarh, March 6

Neglect by Haryana authorities in checking water pollution in drain No. 8 in Sonipat/Kundli could affect water supply to Rashtrapati Bhavan and the PM’s House, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) submitted before the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The NGT is already hearing a case related to pollution in drain No. 6, which overflows and leaches drain No. 8 that merges with the Yamuna river. It is claimed that drain No. 6 is filled with trash, garbage, silt, litter and sludge. Not cleaned and dredged regularly, it is in a critical condition, the petitioner in the case has alleged.

The DJB authorities noted, “The issue concerning Diversion Drain No. 6 (DD-6) in Haryana requires action by state authorities. However, their neglect is affecting the water quality in DD-8 (Diversion Drain No. 8), which in turn impacts the quality of Yamuna water reaching Wazirabad pond. Treatment is hindered due to high pollutants. This situation could lead to a water crisis in Delhi, particularly affecting the production of clean water at Wazirabad and Chandrawal Water Treatment Plants (WTPs). These plants supply potable water to important areas, such as the President’s House, Prime Minister’s House, the Supreme Court and High Court, NDMC, among others.”

The DJB has also attached letters written to different agencies of Haryana on ammonia pollution in Yamuna at Wazirabad Pond. “Each letter demonstrates the requests made to authorities of the Haryana Irrigation Department, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) and Irrigation & Water Resources Department to implement concrete measures to prevent pollutants from entering the Yamuna river,” said the DJB, in its report dated March 4.

Recently, DJB and HSPCB conducted sampling at DD-8 near Bhaira village, DD-8 near Dahisara village, river Yamuna downstream, DD-8 at Dahisara village and river Yamuna upstream on February 12, which reflected ammonia levels at 1 mg/l, 2.4 mg/l, 1.6 mg/l and 1.4 mg/l, respectively - all exceeding permissible limits. The colour of the water was brownish, dark brownish or blackish at these places.

Engineer-in-Chief, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Haryana, Birender Singh, told NGT, vide a report dated March 5, that untreated effluent and domestic sewage was being discharged from the industrial area under the control of Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC), some private agencies, Municipal Corporation, and some villages, into drain No. 6.

He added that a complaint has been sent to the police against Senior Manager of HSIIDC, Jasbir Deswal, and a notice has been served to SDO Ganaur. A letter has been written to MC Commissioner regarding effluent points falling directly into drain No. 6.

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