Residents raise alarm over Waste Discharge into Giri Khad

Allegations of untreated industrial waste being discharged into the Giri Khad by the Horticulture Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) processing plant at Parala in Shimla district have triggered concern among local residents, who fear contamination of a major drinking water source supplying Theog and Shimla.

The controversy intensified on Friday after local Panchayat head Bhupendra Heta, accompanied by residents, visited the HPMC processing plant and raised the issue with its Assistant General Manager (AGM). They alleged that the plant had been discharging thousands of litres of untreated waste into the Giri Khad for a prolonged period, causing foul smells, accumulation of filth and environmental pollution in the surrounding areas.

Heta alleged that the industrial discharge was producing white foam in the water after mixing with the stream, raising serious questions about its quality and safety. He also claimed that drinking water samples collected in Theog had failed, warranting an immediate investigation into possible contamination.

The issue has wider public health implications as water from the Giri Khad is lifted for supply to Theog and, further downstream, to Shimla, the state capital. Thousands of residents, including government officials, legislators and members of the judiciary, depend on this water supply.

Heta said the HPMC management had been repeatedly warned against discharging waste into the ravine, but no effective corrective measures had been taken. He appealed to the Himachal Pradesh High Court to take suo motu cognisance of the alleged pollution and called for an independent investigation.

Local resident Dinesh Verma said the foul smell emanating from the waste had made life difficult for people living in Parala and adjoining areas.

The residents have demanded immediate water quality testing, inspection of the plant’s effluent treatment system, prohibition of untreated discharge and establishment of a permanent scientific waste disposal mechanism. They warned of a public protest if the authorities failed to act.