HP Pollution board fines SJPNL Rs 31L for ‘Water Pollution’

Himachalscape bureau March 21, 2025 3 minutes read

Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet

Shimla, March 21,

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The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) has imposed a hefty fine of Rs 31.17 lakh on Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Ltd. (SJPNL) for repeatedly failing to meet environmental norms and causing water pollution in Shimla. The penalty follows three years of continuous violations, during which samples from the treated water discharged from the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Golcha, Shimla, consistently failed to meet the prescribed standards.

According to HPSPCB, SJPNL, which is responsible for distributing water and operating sewerage treatment plants in Shimla, violated the National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders. The untreated or inadequately treated wastewater released from the STP has been contaminating downstream water bodies, posing a serious environmental and public health hazard.

The pollution control board has been monitoring the STP’s performance since January 2022 and collected multiple water samples over time. The results consistently showed that the effluent exceeded the permissible limits for Suspended Solids (SS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), indicating untreated or insufficiently treated sewage was being discharged into the environment. Despite repeated warnings, SJPNL failed to address these deficiencies.

HPSPCB issued several notices to SJPNL, including on June 16, 2023; January 5, 2024; January 11, 2024; March 5, 2024; April 6, 2024; July 15, 2024; August 24, 2024; and August 5, 2024. However, no significant improvement was observed in the treatment process. Consequently, the board invoked provisions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which hold polluters accountable under the “Polluter Pays” principle.

The fine of Rs 31.17 lakh has been calculated based on the methodology approved by the NGT in O.A. No. 593/2017 (Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti vs. Union of India & Ors.). The period of non-compliance has been recorded from January 28, 2022, to June 28, 2024, covering 317 days of violations. HPSPCB has warned that if SJPNL fails to rectify the issue, the penalty amount will continue to increase, and legal action may be initiated against responsible officers.

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The pollution caused by the malfunctioning STP has raised concerns over public health risks. It is noteworthy that Shimla witnessed a severe outbreak of waterborne diseases in 2016 and 2017, which affected thousands of residents. Experts and environmentalists argue that despite past outbreaks, neither SJPNL nor the Urban Development department has taken adequate measures to prevent the degradation of water resources.

The HPSPCB has directed SJPNL to deposit the fine within 15 days into the designated account of the Member Secretary, HPSPCB, Bank of Baroda, failing which strict legal action will be taken. The pollution control board has also informed the Principal Secretary (Urban Development), the Director of Urban Development, and the Regional Officer, HPSPCB, Shimla, for necessary follow-up and enforcement.

With increasing concerns over urban water pollution, this fine serves as a wake-up call for authorities to prioritize proper sewage treatment and prevent further contamination of Shimla’s precious water resources.

Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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