NGT Orders Pollution Report on Markanda River

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed Himachal Pradesh and Haryana Pollution Control Boards and the Sirmaur deputy commissioner to submit detailed reports on water pollution in the Markanda River .

• The action follows concerns over industrial effluents contaminating the river , which is sacred and supports local communities and agriculture .

​​​​​​​ NGT Directives

• HPSPCB to report the number and status of drains entering the river.

• Assess industrial connections to Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) compliance.

• Both states to analyse water samples for pollutants.

• Sewage and effluent sampling at all discharge points; remediation plans must be proposed if pollutants are detected.

• Kala Amb Infrastructure Development Company to report on effluent transportation and water quality at discharge points.

Background

• Action stems from a 2022 petition by Dharamvir alleging industrial pollution in Kala Amb .

• Markanda River , a Ghaggar tributary , originates in Shivalik hills , flows through Himachal Pradesh into Haryana, and is vital for ecosystems and local livelihoods .

Key Concepts

• NGT : Specialised tribunal for environmental protection, forest and natural resource conservation; established 2010 .

• CETP : Treats industrial wastewater from multiple units before discharge.

• ZLD : Wastewater management strategy ensuring no liquid discharge , with recycling and by-product recovery.