NGT Seeks Timeline for STP Installation in Srinagar, Chadoora to Combat Doodh Ganga Pollution

Srinagar: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Commissioner Secretary, Environment & Forest Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, to submit an affidavit within eight weeks detailing the timeline for the installation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Srinagar, Chadoora, and Budgam to address the growing pollution in the Doodh Ganga and Mamath Kull streams.

The directive was issued by the Principal Bench of the NGT, comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. Afroz Ahmad, during a hearing in the case Raja Muzaffar Bhat v/s Union of India and Others on Thursday.

The tribunal expressed strong concern over the failure of agencies such as Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED), and the Housing & Urban Development Department (HUDD) to establish functional STPs despite the release of funds over a year ago.

Petitioner Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat had approached the tribunal four years ago, highlighting the unchecked discharge of untreated sewage, illegal solid waste dumping, and unregulated sand mining in the Doodh Ganga and Mamath Kull, particularly in areas falling under Chadoora and Srinagar.

In proceedings dated July 10, 2024, the NGT had observed that:

• Budgam Municipal Council generates approximately 1.62 MLD (million litres daily) of sewage, yet no STP exists. A proposed project includes a 1.66 MLD STP and a 5 KLD fecal sludge treatment plant.

• Chadoora Municipal Committee produces 4.30 MLD of sewage daily, with no existing treatment facility. A 6 MLD STP has been proposed, but without a timeline.

• Srinagar Municipal Corporation generates 163.546 MLD of sewage, while the current treatment capacity is only around 60 MLD—leaving a significant amount of untreated sewage to flow into water bodies.

The tribunal noted that the performance of existing STPs and the water quality of the Doodh Ganga and Mamath Kull have not been disclosed as per prescribed standards. The bench further emphasized the lack of accountability, as no clear information was provided about the officials responsible for the implementation of the proposed infrastructure.

“As Ambika Bali, Under Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department, could not provide a satisfactory explanation, we direct the Commissioner Secretary to file an affidavit outlining the implementation plan, responsible officials, and connectivity timelines,” the order stated.

Speaking to reporters, petitioner Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat said, “I am sure the Commissioner Secretary Environment will take this issue seriously, especially since Rs 141 crore has already been sanctioned for STPs. Even today, untreated sewage continues to enter Doodh Ganga at Barzulla. I am ready to assist in any capacity.”

The NGT’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over deteriorating water quality and environmental degradation in central Kashmir. The affidavit from the Environment Department is expected to lay down a phased roadmap for curbing pollution and improving sewage infrastructure in the affected towns and city.