21-06-2025
Chandigarh achieves 100% wastewater treatment capacity
With the treatment capacity exceeding its wastewater generation, Chandigarh has achieved a significant milestone in environmental management.
The city currently generates approximately 232 million litres per day (MLD) of wastewater, against a treatment capacity of about 255 MLD — marking over 100 per cent treatment capability.
This development was highlighted during a review meeting chaired by Rajeev Verma, chief secretary, UT Chandigarh, to assess compliance with the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in a matter of 2018 regarding the compliance of Municipal Solid Waste Rules, 2016 and other environmental issues.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Mandip Singh Brar, secretary (environment and local government), Chandigarh Administration; Diprava Lakra, Finance Secretary, Chandigarh Administration; Saurabh Kumar, director (environment), Chandigarh Administration; Amit Kumar, commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh; C B Ojha, Chief Engineer, Engineering Department, Chandigarh Administration; and Sanjay Arora, chief engineer, MC.
Kumar, who also serves as member secretary of CPCC, briefed the gathering on the city's waste management performance.
All Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are under close monitoring, and expert consultations are underway to ensure full compliance with prescribed norms.
Weekly reviews are being held to ensure that no untreated sewage is discharged into natural drains.
The laying of a tertiary treated water distribution network is progressing steadily, with connections being extended to parks, roundabouts, road berms, kanal houses, institutions, and industrial units, the official said.
Regarding solid waste, the city generates about 500 tonnes per day (TPD), which is collected door-to-door by the MC using specially designed compartmentalised vehicles.
This waste is entirely processed, and the bioremediation of legacy waste is currently in progress, targeted for completion by July 2025.
Leachate from the landfill is being managed via two operational leachate treatment plants (LTPs).
The Chief Secretary directed that all remaining works be expedited and completed within the set de
Strict instructions were issued to ensure that no untreated wastewater enters the choes or drains, and no solid waste is dumped across the city.
Departments were asked to implement detailed plans to prevent illegal dumping, especially at vulnerable sites, and begin phased installation of CCTV cameras for enforcement under MC's Bye-Laws 2018.
He also instructed the civic body to intensify efforts in waste segregation through surprise inspections and impose fines on violators, along with maintaining strict vigilance against solid waste burning.
