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The National Green Tribunal's (NGT) joint committee has recently unearthed a series of environmental violations at the Omaxe Greens housing project in Mohali. The committee's investigation, initiated in April, aimed to examine various environmental concerns, including the operation and installation of sewage treatment plants (STPs), utilization of treated sewage, and compliance with waste management guidelines.
During a visit on July 6, the committee discovered alarming irregularities in the housing project's environmental practices. One of the key findings was the presence of two STPs with a combined capacity of 300 KLD (kiloliters per day). However, the older STP, with a capacity of 250 KLD, exhibited signs of poor maintenance, including depleted MBBR media and improper operation of the clarifier's anaerobic system. Additionally, both the UV disinfection system and ultrafiltration system were found to be non-functional, further highlighting inadequacies in the operation and maintenance of the STPs.
The committee also noted an offensive odour permeating the residential colony, which residents confirmed. Further investigation into records revealed that the newly installed STP had not received certification from an independent expert, nor had the adequacy report been submitted to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB).
Moreover, the housing project was found to be extracting groundwater through two tube wells without obtaining the necessary permission from the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority. According to flow meter data for June, an estimated 550-570 KLD of freshwater was extracted, raising concerns about water resource sustainability.
Although a dual plumbing system was implemented to reuse treated water for flushing purposes, it was only available in four out of the nine towers within the project. The committee also observed neglect in maintaining a 0.5-acre plantation area developed for reusing treated water for irrigation purposes, with solid waste improperly dumped in the vicinity. Poorly designed rainwater harvesting systems were discovered, with silt-filled and stagnant rainwater harvesting pits posing a potential threat of groundwater pollution.
Furthermore, the project's waste management practices were deemed inadequate, with a 100 kg/day capacity composter provided instead of the required 660 kg/day capacity. The non-operation of the composter machine and empty compost pits indicated a failure to process biodegradable waste according to guidelines.
The NGT's joint committee's report has raised serious environmental concerns regarding Omaxe Greens housing project. Authorities are now expected to take necessary actions to rectify the violations and ensure compliance with environmental norms to safeguard the region's ecological balance.
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