Himachal Admits Polluting Haryana With Untreated Sewage

The Himachal Pradesh government has acknowledged to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that untreated wastewater is being discharged into Haryana via the Jattanwalan Nallah near the Kala Amb industrial area. An affidavit revealed that approximately 11.62 million liters of wastewater, primarily domestic sewage and industrial discharge, flow daily into Haryana. The state's submitted action plan aims to intercept and treat this wastewater before it enters the drain network, which subsequently pollutes the Markanda river. This plan includes enhancing sewer connectivity and ensuring the full operationalization of the Kala Amb sewage treatment plant.

Further measures detailed in the action plan involve identifying all discharge points, installing trash traps, and conducting regular cleaning operations for the nallah. Local authorities are directed to manage garbage and prevent illegal dumping. The affidavit also noted that M/s Ruchira Papers Mills is the primary industrial unit connected to the drain, operating its own effluent treatment plant. The NGT's directive followed a report by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board highlighting pollution in the Markanda river attributed to the Jattanwalan Nallah.