The condition of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) highlights a troubling disregard for environmental stewardship and public health. Despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) implementing stricter regulations for effluent discharge over five years ago, most STPs in J&K still do not meet these essential criteria. This ongoing shortfall represents not just a technical oversight but poses a serious risk to human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the integrity of crucial water resources. Back in April 2019, the NGT asserted that the effluent discharge standards designated for large urban areas should apply universally. Moreover, the NGT clearly stated the need for penalties against those failing to comply. Yet, five years later, the stark reality is that only half of J&K’s functioning STPs fulfill the acceptable Fecal Coliform Count limits, with even fewer conforming to the necessary physico-chemical standards.
This pervasive non-compliance indicates a systemic breakdown. Among the 20 active STPs in the area, just 10 meet the Fecal Coliform criteria, while only six comply with physico-chemical requirements. For example, in Jammu city, three out of four STPs are either inoperable or undergoing trials. The only operational STP—with a capacity of 30 MLD—barely operates at two-thirds of its potential, highlighting not only technical inadequacies but also poor planning and maintenance practices. The non-functioning STPs at Bhagwati Nagar and the trial phase at Belicharana serve little purpose beyond inflating statistics. Alarmingly, most districts in the Jammu region still lack any STP installations.
The situation is similarly critical in Srinagar district in Kashmir, where numerous STPs are unable to fulfill both Fecal Coliform and physico-chemical standards. STPs located in vital areas such as Hazratbal, Habak, Nishat Laam, and Brarinambal continue to release untreated or poorly treated waste into local water bodies.
This negligence creates a twofold danger: it compromises aquatic ecosystems and jeopardizes public health through tainted water supplies. The disposal of untreated sewage into the Tawi River is particularly alarming, especially with the prospect of an artificial lake project in Jammu. Compounding the issue, more than half of Jammu City’s water supply is sourced from the Tawi River, either directly or through tube wells situated along its banks. Environmental advocates caution that non-compliant STPs are discharging hazardous waste into rivers, potentially causing irreversible harm to both aquatic ecosystems and human health. The presence of Fecal Coliform in untreated sewage indicates harmful pathogens, while deviations in Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) signify excessive organic pollutants. Adhering to these standards is essential for maintaining the ecological and sanitary integrity of water bodies. Breaching these criteria has far-reaching repercussions, impacting communities reliant on these water sources.
What is particularly concerning is the absence of punitive measures against authorities or contractors who are accountable for this failure. The NGT had clearly mandated penalties for non-compliance, but enforcement appears to be significantly lacking. This not only emboldens wrongdoers but also erodes the authority of the NGT and the urgency of its mandates.
Moving forward demands swift and decisive action. The administration must prioritize the operationalization of non-functional STPs and guarantee their compliance with NGT regulations. This includes promptly resolving bureaucratic and contractual disputes. Adequate funding for maintenance and upgrades can no longer be delayed. Equally crucial is establishing accountability. The lack of punitive measures against offenders conveys a message of impunity. Ensuring transparency in STP operations and performance is essential, with regular public accountability on metrics such as BOD, COD, and Fecal Coliform levels.
The current state of STPs in J&K serves as a stark reminder of the environmental and public health consequences stemming from administrative negligence. After five years of the NGT’s directives, the UT’s inability to meet even basic effluent discharge standards is unacceptable. Relevant authorities must take immediate action to rectify this situation for the health of rivers, community well-being, and the ecological future of the region.
