Punjab filed its report on the issue of water pollution in river Satluj near Gurudwara Patalpuri Sahib at Kiratpur Sahib, district Rupnagar.

The NGT, February 2, 2023 had directed the Chief Secretary, Punjab Pollution Control Board and District Magistrate, Rupnagar to look into the issue raised and take remedial action in accordance with law.

The site in question was visited by the officer of the Punjab Pollution Control Board and it was observed that domestic effluent of Kiratpur Sahib was being discharged into river Sutlej. The officer of Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board informed that the tender for construction of the sewage treatment plant (STP) of capacity of 2 MLD at Kiratpur Sahib has been called many times but the rates quoted by the contractor were too high.

Executive officer, Nagar Panchayat, Kiratpur Sahib submitted that the government has already transferred the funds to Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board for construction of main pumping station and sewage treatment plant. The PWSSB has already constructed the pumping station but STP is yet to be constructed.

The Chairman, Punjab Pollution Control Board has decided to impose environmental compensation and requested the department of Local Government to initiate suitable action against the executive officer, Nagar Panchayat, Kiratpur Sahib and other responsible officers for dereliction of duty.

The Deputy Commissioner, Rupnagar passed an interim order, March 28, 2023, whereby, Executive Engineer, Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Division, Rupagar has been directed to complete the work of STP by June 2024 by following due procedure. Besides, the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board has been directed to maintain temporary measures already adopted for treatment of domestic effluent till STP is commissioned.