Gujarat Pollution Control Board’s (GPCB) proposed amendment, replacing the zero liquid discharge (ZLD) requirement with a common effluent treatment plant (CETP), will significantly pollute the Sabarmati river, a petitioner told the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
“There is no justifiable ground for discarding a progressive technology such as ZLD and reverting to an old system which is difficult to monitor and ensure compliance,” read the affidavit filed by the petitioner in response to a report by the GPCB.
The applicant underscored a significant disparity in the GPCB report. While there are 672 industries in the region affiliated with the CETP through the Ahmedabad Hand Screen Printing Association, the report dealt with just 55 of them, the petitioner pointed out.
Furthermore, the GPCB’s claim of only 55 ZLD units in the area contrasts starkly with the applicant’s assessment, which indicates over 200 such units operating within the region.
The number of industries holding ZLD permissions in the region can be easily substantiated by examining the volume of notices issued by the GPCB during July 2023, demanding the submission of certificates confirming the absence of drainage pipeline connections.
According to the applicant, no establishment has submitted compliance certificates to the GPCB. This implies the ongoing unauthorised discharge of industrial effluents and a direct breach of the specified conditions outlined in their ZLD permissions.
The applicant emphasised that the GPCB’s push for amending ZLD requirements appears to be yet another pretext to ensure the continued operation of these non-compliant industries.
Addressing the issue of ZLD violations, the applicant questioned the rationale behind the GPCB’s decision to continue permitting such activities.
This is especially concerning given the clear findings of the joint committee report, which concluded that all industries holding ZLD permissions are in breach of the stipulated terms and conditions.
These industries continue to discharge either untreated or partially treated effluents, resulting in severe pollution of the Sabarmati. The applicant questioned how GPCB officials continue to allow such activities and amend the conditions, allowing a shift from ZLD to river discharge through CETP with a capacity of just 30 MLD.
On October 9, the NGT directed chief secretaries of all the states and the secretary to the Ministry of Jal Shakti (water resources) to submit reports showing compliance status with the tribunal’s previous order issued on February 22, 2021.
The NGT’s 2021 directive entrusted the Ministry of Jal Shakti with the responsibility of formulating an effective monitoring mechanism for overseeing pollution control measures and revitalising all polluted river segments across the country.
Under the same directive, chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, as well as Pollution Control Boards, were instructed to adhere to timelines for initiating new projects, concluding ongoing initiatives and implementing bio-remediation measures.
Failure to meet these deadlines would necessitate the depositing of compensation in accordance with prior orders — such funds will be allocated for state-specific action plans approved by the National River Rejuvenation Mechanism.
The applicant has drawn attention to the findings documented in the minutes of the 17th Central Monitoring Committee meeting on September 12, 2023.
The applicant highlighted a concerning state of affairs in Assam, where there is an evident deficiency in sewage treatment capacity.
Assam faces a considerable shortfall in sewage treatment infrastructure, with 437.23 MLD treatment infrastructure gap for sewage generated.
Furthermore, there has been sluggish progress in the implementation of three Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Guwahati (Silsako Beel -65 MLD, Borsola Beel-62 MLD, Paschim Boragao-60 MLD), among others.
In Bihar, the situation is equally concerning, as the number of polluted river stretches has risen from six to 18 with the water quality of the Sirsa river degrading from priority III to II.
The applicant also highlighted the sewage treatment conditions in Tripura, where the total sewage generation is 82.4 MLD, but the existing sewage treatment capacity only accounts for 8.72 MLD.
Consequently, a substantial gap of 73.68 MLD exists in sewage treatment infrastructure, representing a significant challenge in addressing the state’s sewage management needs.
On October, 9, the NGT directed the formation of a joint committee to address the pollution in Ramakkal Lake, located in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu.
This committee will be composed of key stakeholders, including a nominee from the regional director of the Central Pollution Control Board, the member secretary of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, the director of the State Development Authority and the relevant district magistrate.
The primary task of this joint committee is to conduct an on-site investigation at Ramakkal Lake, evaluating the current pollution status. The committee will then be responsible for preparing and submitting an action-taken report before the next scheduled hearing.
This NGT directive stems from a news report published in the New Indian Express daily on September 14, 2023. The article highlighted a significant rise in pollution levels in Ramakkal Lake, which has been causing discomfort to nearby residents due to a foul smell.
The report revealed that while a filtration unit has been installed, the filter beds have remained non-operational for the past eight months, leading to increased pollution. Additionally, the counsel representing the Central Pollution Control Board has affirmed that the filtration unit’s inactivity has contributed to the pollution in the lake.