NGT orders monitoring panel to audit wastewater management
WATER QUALITY IN PARTS OF FAZILKA DISTRICT FOUND UNFIT EVEN FOR IRRIGATION; THE NEXT HEARING IN THE MATTER IN THE NGT ON APRIL 22
BATHINDA : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed its state monitoring committee head justice Jasbir Singh (retired) to audit remedial measures being taken to improve wastewater management mechanism in Malwa districts of Punjab. The widespread groundwater contamination in the villages located near India-Pakistan border is attributed to the untreated sewage released in drains.
In his order passed on December 17, NGT chairperson justice Adarsh Kumar Goel (retd) stated that a report submitted before the tribunal says that the water quality in parts of Fazilka district was worse than E-Class.
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms for surface water utilisation, water up to only ‘E-class’ is fit for irrigation or a few industrial usages.
FARMERS WORRIED OVER WHEAT CROP
This has been a major source of worry for farmers, especially in Fazilka district, who say their wheat crop is likely to be affected. Satpal Singh of Ghrumi village said villages in Fazilka district get canal water supply six months in a year and for the last two months they are drawing toxic water from tubewells.
“Laboratory tests that state authorities have conducted have confirmed that groundwater in the area is not suitable for irrigation. Poor quality water is also harming the soil health. The state government should start supplying canal water for the winter crop,” he said.
Vikram Ahuja, a Fazilka based farm rights activist, who had filed a petition on the issue in the NGT in July, said groundwater in several villages along Fazilka was getting contaminated due to the absence of organised wastewater management system in various districts.
“Untreated sewage from various Malwa districts enters Fazilka. Drinking water samples taken from multiple groundwater sources detected traces of impurities, thus declaring it unfit for consumption of humans and livestock. The Punjab government should chalk out an emergency plan by strengthening treatment plants and providing canal water supply throughout the year,” he adds.
The next hearing on the matter is scheduled in the NGT on April 22.
“A report filed by a committee (comprising experts from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), local bodies and Punjab water supply and sewerage board under Fazilka DC), says steps are being taken to establish sewerage treatment plants, effluent treatment plants and Common effluent treatment plant (CETP) in various districts. The PPCB will provide a copy of clean river Sutlej action plan to every department at the district level for further action,” the NGT order reads.