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Judgment
Grievance in this application is against failure of statutory authorities in Punjab and Chandigarh to install necessary Sewage Treatment Plant, resulting in discharge of pollution in the drain originating from Chandigarh and passing through various sectors and villages of Mohali, before merging into Ghaggar River. The pollution is affecting the eco-system, including the aquatic life and also public health. Discharge of untreated sewage into the drain is violation of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Constitutional obligation under Article 243W and also citizens' right to clean environment. Further, since the waste water of the drain is used for cultivation of crops and washing of the vegetables which are consumed by the residents, it is affecting the food chain and public health. The applicant has relied upon news item dated 12.02.2020 in "The Tribune" under the title "Beware! Your veggies come off sewer water".
The matter was considered on 04.06.2021 in the light of the Judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court in Paryavaran Suraksha case (2017) 5 SCC 326 and orders of this Tribunal from time to time and following direction was issued:-
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In view of above, we direct the Chief Secretary, Punjab and the Advisor to the Administrator, UT Chandigarh in coordination with other concerned officers to take further appropriate remedial measures to comply with the mandate of law, including the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and this Tribunal. A joint Committee of CPCB, Punjab PCB and UT PCC may inspect the drain and furnish a status report within two months by e-mail."
In pursuance of above a status report has been furnished on 20.09.2021 after site inspection. The report mentions that the work is still going on as follows:-
"C. Status of Compliance of the Directions of Hon'ble NGT by the Joint Committee, as on 20.09.2021:
i) The joint Committee comprising of Members of PPCB, CPCC and CPCB has been constituted and meeting held on 26.08.2021.
ii) The drains have been visited by the joint Committee on 26.08.2021, 02.09.2021 and 03.09.2021, to know the status, as directed by the Hon'ble NGT.
iii) The 24 Nos. sampling points in the drain in the Chandigarh and Punjab area related to the matter have been identified.
iv) The sampling of water/waste during on-going monsoon season has been completed and analysis reports are under evaluation by the joint Committee."
The Committee has sought time for filing conclusive report upto 31.10.2021. While granting the time sought, we direct the Committee to ascertain the status of quantity of sewage being discharged by UT Chandigarh and the State of Punjab and STPs identified for interception of sewage and its treatment which also is a part of restoration of water quality of river Ghaggar. The Committee may also mention the status of interim remedial measures to reduce pollution loads being followed, if any.
List for further consideration on 05.01.2022.