GURUGRAM: GMDA has directed all developers and RWAs of private colonies and housing societies to install online monitoring systems at their sewage treatment plants (STPs). If failed to comply with the directive, developers or RWAs will be fined Rs 50,000 every month till the system is installed.
Data from the monitoring setup will be linked to the integrated command control centre (ICCC) where GMDA will be able to keep a track of sewage treatment.
The move is aimed at tackling discharging of untreated sewage into open spaces and stormwater drains. The initiative, a senior GMDA official said, has been taken primarily because of improper sewage treatment by STPs, which is a violation of the occupancy certificate conditions set by DTCP and pollution board norms. The official also said the authority will monitor the functionality of all private STPs set up by developers to ensure proper sewage treatment on their premises.
The online monitoring system will enable real-time tracking of sewage treatment processes in societies and colonies. By linking the data with ICCC, the authority also wants to enhance its monitoring capabilities through flow metre and analyser and promptly address any irregularities or non-compliances.
GMDA CEO A Sreenivas emphasised on the necessity for developers to comply with the guidelines set by Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). “It has been observed that developers are not following the guidelines, which is leading to environmental hazards. So, every developer must install online monitoring devices. They should also provide real-time data of operational parameters, which will be linked with ICCC for monitoring purposes,” Sreenivas said.
TOI had highlighted rampant dumping of sewage in vacant plots, especially, in new sectors such as 84, 94, 86, 72 and 113. According to the licensing conditions of department of town and country planning (DTCP), group housing societies, industries and institutions are mandated to ensure zero waste water discharge into the main sewer line and install adequate STP for treatment of waste water.
“It is imperative that STPs are fully functional and operating at the maximum capacity as treated wastewater is utilised for horticulture, construction and other non-potable purposes within the colonies,” said an official, adding that a strict action will be taken against violators found making illegal sewer connections in GMDA’s stormwater drains to prevent discharge of untreated sewage into the drainage network.
Meanwhile, some RWAs argued that the govt agencies are trying to cover up their incompetence in ensuring basic amenities such as a functional sewer network.
“Most STPs in group housing societies in new sectors are either non-functional or don’t have adequate capacity as the developers did not create better infrastructure. Now, they want to penalise the residents. Instead of issuing such directions, they should complete construction of sewer network soon,” said Puran Singh, RWA president of SS Coralwood.
