Haryana Pollution Control Board Issues Strict Deadlines for Yamuna River Cleanup
The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has established rigorous timelines for interventions under the Yamuna Action Plan, mandating officials to complete fresh sampling of all sewage treatment plants (STPs) within fifteen days and finish comprehensive mapping of every pollution source within three months. These critical directives were issued during a high-level review meeting chaired by HSPCB Member Secretary Yogesh Kumar at Vikas Sadan on Friday, where progress on ongoing works to reduce pollution in drains flowing into the Yamuna was thoroughly evaluated.
Urgent Coordination Among Agencies Emphasized
Stressing the absolute necessity for enhanced coordination among various governmental bodies, Kumar instructed officials from HSPCB, the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), and the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) to ensure all projects are completed within their deadlines and deliver visible, tangible results. "Untreated wastewater flowing from leg-III to leg II must be diverted for treatment within a fortnight so that the treated water can be reused, including for agricultural irrigation purposes," Kumar emphasized during the meeting.
Addressing Untreated Discharge and Drain Management
The review meeting also tackled the persistent issue of untreated discharge entering city drains. The GMDA was specifically tasked with preparing a detailed standard operating procedure for cleaning stormwater drains and sewer lines, incorporating a systematic approach to identify and eliminate illegal sewer connections. Furthermore, authorities have been allocated three months to meticulously identify and map all pollution points in leg II of the drainage system.
Officials received additional directives to assess the exact quantity of solid waste removed from drains and guarantee its scientific disposal, while maintaining comprehensive records for continuous monitoring. Concerns regarding unregulated tanker operations were also raised, with the MCG ordered to submit a detailed report on newly registered tankers and form a dedicated team to take strict action against illegal operators.
Enhanced Infrastructure and Compliance Measures
Moreover, the GMDA was directed to submit a status report on the installation of fencing along drains to prevent waste dumping and unauthorized access. Regular, scheduled inspections of all sewage treatment plants have been mandated to ensure strict compliance with operational standards and environmental regulations. "Measures such as drain tapping, installation of STPs and common effluent treatment plants, and improved waste management systems have led to some progress in water quality," officials noted during the assessment.
"However, to achieve our pollution control targets, meeting these established timelines and ensuring proper execution of all plans is absolutely crucial," Kumar concluded, underscoring the importance of accountability and timely action in the ongoing battle to restore the Yamuna river's health.
