SRINAGAR, Aug 26: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has reported deterioration in water quality at three locations along Sindh Nallah in Kangan and Sonamarg, attributing it to the discharge of untreated sewage through drains flowing into the water body.
According to a CPCB report submitted before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), water samples collected from the nallah and connected drains revealed elevated coliform levels at Kangan Akhal Bridge, downstream of Shutkadi Bridge in Sonamarg and at Sindh Nallah in Sonamarg.
The report was prepared following NGT directions in a case concerning pollution of Sindh Nallah and its potential impact on trout habitats. CPCB collected 11 samples on May 4, including seven from different points along the nallah and four from drains discharging into it.
While all seven river sampling locations met Class D standards meant for propagation of wildlife and fisheries, the three affected sites failed to meet Class B and Class C standards due to excessive total coliform levels. Other parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), remained within prescribed limits.
The CPCB found significantly higher contamination levels in the drains entering the nallah. Faecal coliform levels ranged between 2×10⁴ and 29×10⁷ MPN per 100 ml, while BOD values ranged from 6 mg/l to 118 mg/l, indicating the presence of untreated sewage.
The highest contamination was recorded in a drain near Hotel Glacier/Tajwas in Sonamarg, where faecal coliform levels reached 29×10⁷ MPN/100 ml and total coliform levels were measured at 35×10⁸ MPN/100 ml. Other contaminated drains were identified near Kangan and the Army Transit Camp in Sonamarg.
The report stated that total coliform levels at the three river locations exceeded prescribed limits of 500 MPN/100 ml for Class B water quality and 5,000 MPN/100 ml for Class C, linking the deterioration directly to sewage-laden drains entering the nallah.
The CPCB also reviewed the status of the 1.2 million litres per day (MLD) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Sonamarg and found that installation work was still in progress. Officials of the Sonamarg Development Authority informed the inspection team that the project would require about two more months for completion. The authority had also not obtained the mandatory Consent to Establish from the J&K Pollution Control Committee.
The pollution watchdog recommended that the J&K Pollution Control Committee direct the concerned agencies to ensure treatment of sewage before discharge into the nallah and undertake regular monitoring to prevent further deterioration of water quality.
The findings form part of ongoing proceedings before the NGT in a case related to pollution in Sindh Nallah and its possible impact on trout farming. The matter was last listed before the tribunal on August 24.
