Chandigarh, Sept 11: The National Green Tribunal has taken cognisance of alleged severe pollution in the Sirsa river and its downstream impact on the Sutlej at Ropar, issuing formal notices to authorities in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. The Principal Bench, led by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr Afroz Ahmad, noted that the matter raises a substantial issue concerning compliance with environmental norms.
The proceedings were initiated following an application filed by Ropar AAP MLA Dinesh Chadha. The tribunal considered the submissions, alongside supporting news reports and photographs, before scheduling the next hearing for December 2. The respondents have been instructed to file an affidavit of service at least one week prior to the scheduled date.
The petition highlights widespread concerns over industrial waste, chemicals, and untreated effluents being discharged into the river system from the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh industrial area in Himachal Pradesh. The applicant affirmed that the discharge causes a foul smell and threatens the surrounding ecosystem.
The plea further pointed to inadequate capacity at the local Common Effluent Treatment Plant in Baddi, asserting that untreated effluents and sewage find their way into natural streams and ultimately contaminate the Sutlej river. Regulatory scrutiny has been sought to address the recurring environmental concerns affecting the Ropar region.
