15-day deadline for STP sampling, 3-month mapping target under Yamuna action plan in Haryana

GURGAON: Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has set timelines for interventions under Yamuna Action Plan, directing officials to complete fresh sampling of sewage treatment plants (STPs) within 15 days and finish mapping of all pollution sources within three months.The directions were issued during a review meeting chaired by HSPCB member secretary Yogesh Kumar at Vikas Sadan on Friday, where the progress of ongoing works to curb pollution in drains flowing into the Yamuna was assessed.Stressing the need for better coordination among agencies, Kumar asked officials from HSPCB, GMDA and MCG to complete projects within deadlines and ensure visible results.“Untreated wastewater flowing from leg-III to leg II should be diverted for treatment within a fortnight so that treated water can be reused, including for irrigation,” Kumar said.The meeting also addressed untreated discharge into city drains. GMDA was asked to prepare a standard operating procedure for cleaning stormwater drains and sewer lines, with a system to identify and remove illegal sewer connections.Further, authorities were given three months to identify and map all pollution points in leg II. Officials were also directed to assess the quantity of solid waste removed from drains and ensure its scientific disposal, while maintaining records for monitoring.Concerns over unregulated tanker operations were also raised. MCG was asked to submit a report on newly registered tankers and form a team to act against illegal operators.Moreover, GMDA was directed to submit a status report on fencing along drains to prevent waste dumping and unauthorised access and regular inspections of all STPs were mandated to ensure compliance with operational standards.“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 said.“However, to achieve pollution control targets, meeting timelines and ensuring proper execution is important,” Kumar said.