NGT flags gaps in reports, orders fresh data on River Markanda pollution and Kala Amb industries

New Delhi/ Shimla, Oct 16,

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, has directed the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HP SPCB), District Magistrate (DM) Sirmaur, and the Kala Amb Infrastructure Development Company to furnish detailed and accurate reports on pollution in River Markanda and industrial effluent management in the Kala Amb area. The directive came during a hearing held on October 15, 2025, in two connected matters —Dharamvir vs State of Haryana & Ors. and Mr. Islam vs Symbiosis Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. & Ors.— both concerning industrial pollution, untreated sewage discharge, and encroachments along the Markanda River basin impacting both Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.

The Bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member) reviewed compliance reports filed by HP SPCB, DM Sirmaur, and the Kala Amb Infrastructure Development Company but found them “materially deficient and not containing complete information with reference to the environmental issues involved.”

Key directions issued

In its order, the Tribunal stated, “Respondent No. 7 — HP SPCB is directed to file additional response giving complete information with respect to (i) total number of drains falling in River Markanda (ii) status of all drains as to whether the same have been tapped/not tapped so far (iii) whether any untreated sewage is going to River Markanda (iv) total number of industries in Kala Amb (v) number of industries which are connected to CETP, number of industries which are not connected to CETP and number of industries falling in ZLD category and (vi) sampling and analysis results with respect to all discharge points of confluence of sewage/effluents in River Markanda and Jatton Wala Nallah flowing to Haryana.”

Further, the Kala Amb Infrastructure Development Company (Respondent No. 17) has been directed to provide, “(i) number of industries enlisted with it (ii) mode of conveyance/transportation of effluent from the industries to CETP (iii) quantum of treating chemicals used and electricity utilized for operation of CETP and (iv) sampling and analysis results of water quality of effluent at discharge point of confluence in River Markanda.”

The District Magistrate, Sirmaur (Respondent No. 10) has also been instructed to submit a comprehensive land report, “Respondent No.10 — DM Sirmaur is directed to file complete report giving details regarding all the revenue numbers of land with area and nature of use recorded in Revenue Record through which River Markanda is flowing.”

Joint sampling ordered

In a direction aimed at ensuring accountability, the NGT ordered both Himachal Pradesh and Haryana State Pollution Control Boards to jointly conduct water sampling and analysis at all discharge points and submit reports on:

“All relevant parameters particularly pertaining to industrial effluents, and in case of violations, both Boards shall explain the reasons for the same and also mention the remedial action taken.”

The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 21, 2026.

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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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Himachalscape bureau

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.