Himachal Sewage Threatens Haryana River

Himachal Pradesh has informed the National Green Tribunal that approximately 11.6 million liters of effluent per day are flowing from Sirmaur district into neighboring Haryana. The primary contributor is identified as domestic sewage, not industrial pollution. An action plan for the Markanda river system highlights wastewater from commercial establishments and untreated domestic sewage as main sources, exacerbated by incomplete sewer connectivity.

The Jattanwala Nallah carries an estimated 5.6 MLD of wastewater, receiving discharge from residential areas, eateries, hotels, and some industrial effluent. Monitoring indicates elevated faecal coliform levels, confirming domestic sewage as the predominant pollutant. While 85% of sewer connectivity in Kala Amb is complete, the remaining work is targeted for December 31, 2026. Disputes over operation and maintenance costs have further stalled progress.

The Kala Amb sewage treatment plant has a capacity of 1.7 MLD. The Jal Shakti Vibhag is tasked with completing sewer connections and diverting wastewater to the treatment system by December 31. Industrial units reportedly contribute minimally, with Ruchira Papers discharging treated water within limits. Solid and plastic waste also obstruct and pollute the drain.

Efforts to implement phytoremediation measures have faced local resistance regarding land ownership. The tribunal previously noted deficiencies in earlier plans. A letter petition filed in 2022 by a Haryana resident first raised concerns about industrial units in Kala Amb polluting the Markanda river.