NGT monitoring panel chief warns officials against laxity

MOGA: The Monitoring Committee of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday observed that the discharge of untreated water and sewage in 22 drains and other water bodies passing through the Malwa region warranted a monthly review.

A meeting of the committee was held in Moga to review remedial measures being taken to improve wastewater management mechanism in Moga, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Faridkot and Muktsar districts. The NGT had directed the committee to audit the situation in terms of discharge of untreated water and sewage into drains and other water bodies of these districts.

This was after groundwater in villages along Fazilka was found to be getting contaminated due to the absence of organised wastewater management system in Malwa districts.

Committee chairman justice Jasbir Singh (retd) has directed officials of these districts that the issue is very serious and any kind of laxity will not be tolerated. He also directed DCs to ensure a review of overall performance of the Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) being set up in their districts monthly.