The Municipal Company of Gurugram (MCG) has been pulled up by the Haryana City Native Our bodies Division over alleged negligence in sustaining the town’s sewerage infrastructure and wastewater remedy methods, with the matter now reaching the Union Ministry of House Affairs amid rising concern over untreated sewage flowing into drains linked to the Yamuna basin.
Senior officers mentioned the Centre’s intervention follows sustained complaints about untreated sewage coming into stormwater drains and water our bodies, a problem that can also be beneath shut scrutiny of the Nationwide Inexperienced Tribunal (NGT). The state authorities has warned that beauty compliance will now not be accepted and that seen, on-ground enhancements have to be demonstrated.
The set off for the motion lies in persistent Nationwide Inexperienced Tribunal (NGT) observations that Gurugram continues to discharge massive volumes of untreated sewage into stormwater drains by way of unlawful sewer–drain interlinking, alongside the non-functional or poorly performing micro sewage remedy crops (STPs) put in over the previous few years.
Throughout a current high-level evaluation assembly, officers of the city native our bodies division reprimanded MCG officers for persistent failures in checking unlawful sewer connections and making certain the functioning of micro sewage remedy crops (STPs). The division has ordered an in depth inspection of all unlawful sewer traces discharging into stormwater drains, together with a complete audit of each micro STP put in within the metropolis.
About 5 years in the past, MCG put in 41 micro STPs at a value of round ₹75 crore throughout parks and residential colonies, mentioned Ravinder Yadav, extra commissioner, MCG. “We’re already checking the STPs and can guarantee they’re practical on the earliest,” he mentioned. Supposed for native sewage remedy and reuse for horticulture, over half are non-functional or technically faulty, officers admitted.
The MCG has now sought an in depth standing report on all 41 crops, together with their operational situation, upkeep expenditure and causes for extended shutdowns. Officers are additionally analyzing whether or not the crops are being operated as per prescribed norms and the way funds allotted for his or her maintenance are being utilised.
Throughout the evaluation, the large-scale unlawful interlinking of sewer traces with stormwater drains was highlighted. In accordance with Central Public Well being and Environmental Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO) tips, stormwater drains are meant just for rainwater, however in Gurugram, sewage is being discharged immediately into these drains at lots of of places, claimed officers of the Haryana City Native Our bodies Division.
Officers warned that such unlawful connections are a serious reason for sewage backflow throughout the monsoon, resulting in waterlogging, foul odour and contamination of floor water. Gurugram, Faridabad, Manesar and three different municipal firms have been directed to launch rapid drives to disconnect such hyperlinks and divert sewage to the principle sewer networks.
Cupboard minister Rao Narbir Singh had earlier expressed displeasure over the situation of micro STPs and sewer networks, directing the Haryana State Air pollution Management Board to hold out bodily verification of all crops. “Untreated sewage coming into rivers and lakes is not only an environmental violation however a severe public well being danger,” he had mentioned.
Following the reprimand, MCG has launched a citywide survey to establish sewage discharge hotspots from January 5. GPS mapping is being carried out to pinpoint unlawful sewer-to-drain interconnections. Officers mentioned a current detection of unlawful discharge in Sector 42 by GMDA is being handled as a mannequin case for related motion throughout the town.
Industries have additionally been warned by MCG that non-functional STPs or failure to reuse handled water will entice heavy penalties, signalling stricter enforcement within the coming weeks.
In response to the allegations, Haryana City Native Our bodies Minister Vipul Goel mentioned the federal government would be certain that all sewerage and wastewater remedy initiatives mendacity defunct are taken up and revived in a phased method. “Each micro STP in Gurugram will likely be bodily verified and audited, and strict motion will likely be taken wherever negligence or misuse of funds is discovered. There will likely be no compromise on sewage administration. All shortcomings will likely be addressed on the bottom, not simply on paper,” he mentioned.
