KL Report

SRINAGAR

With hue and cry rising over hotels running without sewerage treatment plant (STP) in the valley, about 72 dewatering stations of mechanical drainage division Srinagar are working without STP facility causing immense harm to the water bodies gushing in the city.

A junior engineer at Urban Environment Engineering Department (UEED), wishing not to be named told a local news agency GNS that about 40 lakh liters of sewage effluent is making its way to the river Jehlum, Dood Ghanga and Flood Spill channel, Ram Bagh every day.

“We are dewatering every kind of waste, urine, sullage, solid waste, manure and even household items which go directly to these water bodies,” he said.

Junior Engineer said we are very much concerned about the damage to these aquatic bodies. “We have several times recommended authorities to install STP facility at every dewatering station so that loss to these water bodies will stop.”

Water (Prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1974 states that contamination of water, such discharge of any sewage or trade effluent or of any other liquid, gaseous or solid substance into water or plants or of aquatic organisms is punishable under law and should be dealt strictly.

Director, Fisheries department Kashmir, Rajesh Dogra while talking to GNS said it is a big concern nowadays. “Elsewhere in the country, no dewatering pump can run without STP facility but unfortunately J&K lags behind in this crucial development.”

Dogra said we are very much concerned about the rising water pollution which goes unabated in the state. “We have raised this issue to authorities in couple of environmental meetings,” he added.

When contacted Minister for Mechanical Engineering, Abdul Majeed Wani, said the government had earlier planned to setup solid waste management system in the valley. “We are consulting experts regarding this issue so that the glory of these water bodies will be gained back.”

Recently, Jammu and Kashmir High Court issued directions to the authorities seeking closure of all the hotels operating without STPs in the valley.

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