• Source:JND
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In a major crackdown on agencies discharging untreated sewage into the Ganga, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has issued a Recovery Certificate (RC) to recover Rs 2.60 crore in environmental compensation from three negligent agencies operating Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). This marks the first time such recovery has been ordered to be made like land revenue within 15 days, with the amount to be deposited in the board’s bank account.

Despite heavy investments under the Ganga Action Plan and Namami Gange schemes, the condition of the river remains poor. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had also issued clear directions for compliance, but STP-operating agencies failed to improve operations. Now, the Pollution Control Board has taken strict action.

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Seven STPs are currently operational along the Ganga, Pandu, and Nun rivers in the city, all run by agencies nominated by Jal Nigam. Together, they can treat 450 million litres of sewage per day, but investigations revealed they have been operating at just 40 to 60 per cent capacity, allowing a significant amount of untreated sewage to flow directly into the rivers.

After assessing the violations, the Pollution Control Board imposed a fine of Rs 6.51 crore on the 210 MLD STP at Bingawan, five STPs at Jajmau, and the 130 MLD STP, for lapses between 2021 and 2024. A portion of this, Rs 2.60 crore, has now been targeted for immediate recovery through RC orders.

Board Chairman RP Singh has directed district officials to initiate recovery proceedings just as they would for land revenue. This comes after repeated notices and unsatisfactory replies from the agencies concerned.

Over the last four years, the Pollution Control Board has imposed a total environmental compensation of Rs 10.58 crore on the seven STPs, but this is the first instance where actual recovery orders have been issued.

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When approached for comment, Mohit Chak, Executive Engineer of Jal Nigam (Gramin), did not respond regarding the RC issuance.

Ajit Kumar Suman, Regional Pollution Control Officer, confirmed that the Recovery Certificate has been issued against three STPs, and recovery will be ensured with the cooperation of the district administration.