Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are integral to modern civic necessities in urban areas. These plants are first priority of Pollution Control Board. Treatment of refuse is done on scientific lines. Plastic and polythene are the two curses that cause maximum pollution. If burnt, these emit gases that are most injurious to health. Polythene is indestructible. Thus no ordinary treatment of this refused material is possible and it is only the scientific/biological treatment that can destroy it without causing harm to human health. Treatment of sewage also opens the scope of re-cycling of certain items.
A PIL case of illegal constructions at tourist resort of Gulmarg was under hearing of the Divisional Bench of the High Court. In this context, the DB had asked the State Pollution Control Board to submit status report on the installation of STPs in all hotels and tourist destinations in Kashmir and Jammu regions. But the court was disappointed with the report and noted that it was inadequate in terms of details regarding the method of treating the sewage in a biological manner. The PCB supplementary compliance report says that 72 hotels in Srinagar are connected to the common STPs, while as 13 hotels have their own individual STPs. Incidentally, there were no details placed on record with respect to category-B hotels at Srinagar, Gulmarg and other hotels operating in Patnitop, Katra and Jammu. Hence the court directed the Government to file status report with regard to these hotels by next date of hearing.
The point that should be emphasized is whether the Sewage Treatment Plants installed by the 72 stated hotels or tourist destinations mentioned in the status report of the Pollution Control Board are functioning under recognized biological process or not. Secondly, why has not the PCB taken any action against those hotels and tourist destinations which do not have the STPs at all? It was only when a case was brought before the court that these revelations have come to light. There are no fewer than 39 hotels in Jammu alone which do not have either private or common sewage plants. One can imagine how much of refuse and garbage 39 hotels would be releasing which is not given the biological treatment. Obviously, it is enormous hazard to the health of the people.
We have been talking of only hotels and main tourist destinations. What about other places like Circuit Houses, Guest Houses East and West at Srinagar or hotels for Durbar Move employees and Guest Houses at Jammu and etc. The Pollution Control Board report does not make any mention of these places and the arrangements for disposal of sewage there. Obviously, there is none. Another aspect of STPs that has come to the notice of the Divisional Bench is very amusing. Some hotels and tourist destinations have not installed treatment plants on propriety land but have grabbed either the State land or encroached upon private land for installing the plant. The Court has issued clear orders that the hotels and tourist destinations of whatever class and category should have treatment plants on their propriety lands and that all encroachments should be cleared immediately. This is why the court was surprised to find that the report of the PCB asked for support of Revenue Department after the land to be used for installing the plant is identified.
Now, that the issue of sewage treatment plant has come up for active consideration of the court and the Government agency as well, it is in fitness of things that a comprehensive scheme of having common plans for treatment should be the ultimate solution. Treatment of sewage on scientific lines is a perfect system in advanced countries. In our State, it is still at the preliminary stage. The situation of treating the refuse in smaller towns of the State is either totally lacking or is in very bad shape. The court has also referred to it. Therefore the task before the Government is not a small one. All towns in the State, big or small, have to be provided with proper scientific system of sewage treatment. Towns are expanding, population is increasing, new localities are coming up and life is undergoing a drastic change. This is bound to change the complexion of our towns and cities. Therefore the Pollution Control Board shall have to gear up to meet the challenge. It asks for planning and proper execution.
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