On October 30, 2023, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to gather samples from the inlet and outlet of all four phases of the Kondli sewage treatment plants (STPs). The tribunal has given a four-week deadline to submit the report, with a review scheduled for January 15, 2024.
NGT Inspects Kondli Sewage Treatment Plants
The order was issued in response to a complaint about the malfunctioning of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in New Kondli, Mayur Vihar, Phase-3. The plant was reportedly emitting toxic gases, leading to air pollution and posing a significant health risk to local residents.
The DPCC’s action report states that the plants in Kondli Phase I and Kondli Phase III are meeting DPCC standards. However, Kondli Phase II is still stabilizing, and Kondli Phase IV is not up to standard.
The report also revealed that two sludge digesters and two gas holder plants are yet to be commissioned for Kondli Phase I STP. Although an Online Monitoring System (OLMS) has been installed at the outlet, it is not operational.
Delays in Kondli Phase II-III
For Kondli Phase II and III, four chlorination tanks are still under construction. Additionally, five sludge digesters and two gas holder plants have been completed but are not yet operational. The sludge from the unit installed for sludge thickening is being sent directly to sludge drying beds as the centrifuge unit and gas production units are still under construction. Moreover, an Online Monitoring System (OLMS) for Phase II has not been installed.
As for Kondli Phase IV Plant, it has a total capacity of 45 MGD. However, only half of this capacity is currently in use. The remaining capacity is being ignored as the plant undergoes retrofitting. An online monitoring system (OLMS) has not been installed at its outlet.
Interestingly, the status report mentions that samples were collected from STPs in Kondli Phase I, II and IV. It also states that Kondli Phases I and III were meeting the prescribed standards. However, the NGT found it surprising that no sample was taken from the third phase, yet it was found to meet the standards.
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