NGT seeks detailed clarifications on industrial effluent discharge in river Markanda, terms submitted reports ‘deficient’

The Markanda originates from Sirmaur district and passes through neighboring Ambala and Kurukshetra districts of Haryana before merging into the Ghaggar river. Over hundreds of industries at the industrial hub Kala Amb in Sirmaur are situated adjoining the river in Kala Amb. The river caused significant damages to the agricultural fields worth crores of rupees at Naraingarh area in Ambala, Shahabad in Kurukshetra during the recent monsoon. Hundreds of acres of agricultural land was washed away by the river Markanda.

Dharamvir Singh of Haryana and Islam of Himachal filed two applications before the tribunal, highlighting the discharge of industry pollutants and encroachment on the Markanda in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

The NGT noted that the October 10 compliance report of two respondents including HPSPCB and KAIDC were “materially deficient”. The bench also noted that similar observations were made about the reply dated October 13 from the District Magistrate, Sirmaur.

The Bench expressed dissatisfaction that these reports failed to provide complete data and clarity on crucial environmental aspects, particularly regarding industrial effluent management, sewage disposal, and land ownership along the course of the river Markanda.

The tribunal directed the HPPCB to file a comprehensive additional response covering the total number of drains discharging into the river, their tapping status and whether any untreated sewage still flows into the river, total number of industries in Kala Amb, number of industries connected to the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), those not connected, and those operating under Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) norms, sampling and analysis results for all sewage and effluent confluence points, including the Jattonwala Nallah, which ultimately flows into Haryana.

Meanwhile, the KAIDC has also been instructed to submit additional details regarding the total number of industries registered with it, mode of effluent conveyance to the CETP, quantum of treatment chemicals and electricity used for CETP operations and water quality analysis at the final discharge point into the Markanda.

Similarly, the Sirmaur District Magistrate has been asked to file a complete report on all revenue numbers, area, and land use categories through which the Markanda flows. The NGT observed that while the DM claimed there was no encroachment at village Peepalwala, the report was unsupported by any inspection record and indicated that the river passes through private land parcels at other locations.

Both HPPCB and HSPCB have been ordered to conduct joint sampling and analysis at all discharge points and submit detailed water quality reports covering all relevant industrial effluent parameters. In case of violations, both Boards must explain causes and specify remedial actions taken. The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 21, 2026.