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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive urging prompt action on the issue of pollution in the Lassara drain. The tribunal, in its order dated December 8, has instructed a joint committee to submit a detailed report on the pollution of Lassara drain by December 14, 2023. Failure to comply will result in the District Magistrate of Ludhiana appearing before the tribunal on December 15.
The matter, brought under Section 14 and 15 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, revolves around the grievance that the Jargari drain, constructed by villagers, crosses under the First Patiala Feeder Canal and discharges into the Lassara drain—an interstate drain that has now turned into a pond.
The stagnant water in the drain overflows, affecting the fields of the applicants and other residents in the area. Concerns have been raised about the impact on trees in the region due to the stagnating water. Furthermore, a test report of the untreated water reveals alarming levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and faecal coliform, surpassing prescribed standards.
The sample indicated a BOD of 55 mg per litre against the recommended 30 mg per litre and a faecal coliform level of 94,000 per 100 millilitres, exceeding the standard of less than 1,000.
The applicants contend that a 29 MLD sewage treatment plant constructed for Khanna town is not operational, resulting in sewage water flowing into the Jargari drain. Additionally, an open pipeline downstream of the siphon below the First Patiala Feeder Canal has not been cleaned, contributing to water stagnation in the Lassara drain.
Despite the NGT's earlier directive on September 15, 2023, to form a joint committee and submit a report, no action has been taken. The recent order reiterates the urgency of the matter, directing the joint committee to submit a comprehensive report by December 14, 2023, underlining the importance of addressing environmental violations promptly.
The NGT expressed dismay over the delay in submitting the report, noting a lackadaisical attitude on the part of the authorities. The tribunal emphasized the gravity of the environmental violations raised in the case and called for the immediate attention of the concerned authorities.
The case is scheduled to be heard next on December 15, 2023.
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