PCB seeks strengthening of industrial, city sewage systems ahead of Simhastha

Indore: Capacity constraints and damage in parts of industrial effluent pipeline network at Sanwer Road are resulting in leakage of contaminated discharge into Narwar Nallah, prompting Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) to recommend expansion of the pipeline network across industrial belt and wider sewage interventions as authorities intensify the Kahn river pollution-control efforts ahead of Simhastha.Officials said that Sanwer Road industrial area has over 500 industrial units, of which 211 are categorised as water-polluting industries. The total industrial wastewater generated in Indore city is estimated at around 1.7 MLD and requires collection and treatment before disposal.To transport industrial discharge to the common effluent treatment plant (CETP), Indore Municipal Corporation had laid dedicated pipelines in sectors C, E and F of the industrial area.PCB officials said that the existing network was facing capacity constraints and had suffered damage at some locations, resulting in leakage of contaminated discharge into Narwar Nallah.“We have suggested connecting all industries through dedicated pipeline networks for effluent discharge so that untreated waste does not leak into natural drains. Pollution control ahead of Simhastha requires strengthening both industrial and city sewage systems,” said MP Pollution Control Board, Indore region, regional officer, Satish Chouksey.The pollution board has suggested that the municipal corporation lay pipeline networks across all sectors of Sanwer Road industrial area where infrastructure is currently absent as part of a larger strategy linked to the Kahn river pollution control and Simhastha preparations.As part of broader recommendations, PCB has proposed connecting all households generating wastewater to sewer lines and closing all outfalls opening directly into drains. It has also suggested ensuring that untreated sewage does not directly flow into rivers.The board has further recommended increasing treatment capacity of existing sewage treatment plants and ensuring their regular operation. It has also proposed creating interceptor drains to divert wastewater flowing through drains to sewage treatment plants before it enters natural water bodies.Chouksey said that the board has also recommended operating Sanwer Road CETP under a public-private partnership model to improve efficiency, maintenance and accountability.For peripheral areas adjoining the city, PCB has recommended laying public sewer lines and linking them with treatment facilities. Officials said that strengthening industrial wastewater systems and plugging sewage leakages would be critical to reducing pollution load in the Kahn river ahead of Simhastha preparations.