Dialogue Associate, Gurugram. The deteriorating condition of the sewerage system in Gurugram is no longer just a problem of the Municipal Corporation. After coming under the direct supervision of the Central and State Government, now the Municipal Corporation Gurugram will have to present the ground reality of its sewer network and micro STP. As part of the ongoing national level campaign to save Yamuna from pollution, Gurugram's drainage system and sewage discharge is now being closely monitored.
In the recent high-level meeting of the Haryana Urban Local Bodies Department, clear instructions have been given to the corporation officials that a complete report on the sewer water falling into the storm drains and the functioning of the micro STP should be submitted immediately.
41 micro STPs worth Rs 75 crore are under question
About five years ago, the Municipal Corporation had spent Rs 75 crore and installed 41 micro STPs in various parks and residential areas of the city, so that the dirty water could be cleaned and reused in gardening. At present the situation is that more than half of the plants are either closed or not working due to technical flaws. The headquarters has called for reports related to physical verification and operation of all the STPs.
Leaving sewer in rain drains becomes a big concern
The most serious issue raised in the meeting was that sewer lines have been directly connected to storm drains at many places in the city. This is not only increasing water pollution but also creates the problem of backflow and dirty water filling the roads during monsoon. Six municipal corporations, including Gurugram, Faridabad and Manesar, have been directed to immediately disconnect all such illegal connections and divert sewage into main lines.
Minister's displeasure and central monitoring
State Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh has already expressed his displeasure over the negligence in micro STP and sewer management. He has asked the Pollution Control Board to do ground verification of all the plants. The Urban Local Bodies Department has made it clear that the monitoring of waste water management is being done at the Union Home Ministry level, hence any laxity will not be accepted now.
Corporation started citywide survey
After the government rebuke, the Municipal Corporation has started a survey in the entire city. GPS mapping of all those places where sewer and drainage are interconnected is being done. The illegal discharge detected in Sector-42 is being investigated by GMDA in other areas also by making models. Industries have also been warned that heavy fines will be imposed if the STP is found closed or the treated water is not reused.