Gurgaon: Untreated sewage waste is contaminating agricultural fields in Faridabad’s Sikri village, a four-member committee formed by National Green Tribunal (NGT) has discovered. NGT has now directed Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF) to “submit an action plan”.
The next hearing in this matter is on May 26. The issue came to light during an NGT hearing on a plea by a resident who reported the adverse impact on his crops due to the untreated effluent.
The investigation revealed that the Harfala Minor drain — originating from Ballabhgarh Nagar — passes through Rajeev Colony and Sector 58 Industrial Area before reaching the fields. This drain carries untreated domestic effluent, which has been damaging the crops.The tribunal said that the four-member committee carried out the inspection on Nov 13.
“During inspection, it was found that untreated domestic effluent is coming into Sikri Distributary from Krishna Colony, Rajeev Colony, residential area nearby Samaypur Road, opposite Sector 58 and other nearby areas adjacent to it (Sikri Distributary). The Sikri Distributary carries untreated domestic effluent generated from the above-said colonies and crosses the nearby agricultural fields of applicant Sunil Raj Singh. At present, wheat crop is sown on land stated to be of the applicant,” the tribunal said.
The NGT order said, “Recommendations: MCF may be directed to submit an action plan for 100% tapping of untreated domestic effluent generated from the above-mentioned colonies or rerouting it into any of its nearby sewage treatment plant (STP) for proper disposal.”
On Friday, MCF informed NGT during the hearing that it prepared an action plan to address the problem.
MCF requested three weeks to submit the plan, which will include a clear timeline for remediation. NGT scheduled the next hearing for May 26 to review the progress and ensure that effective measures are implemented to protect the agricultural fields and the environment.
The tribunal also said that during the inspection by the four-member panel, it was found that the Sikri Distributary originates from the off-take of Gurgaon Canal at RD 14014 area, near New Bridge, Sector 25 in Faridabad.