Chandigarh: Contrary to the UT administration’s optimistic compliance claims, the amicus curiae appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has flagged “alarmingly high levels” of faecal coliform (FC), total coliform (TC) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in all four major stormwater drains — Sukhna Choe, N-Choe, Patiala ki Rao and Faidan Choe. The findings raise serious concerns over water quality, pollution and public health risks.The tribunal made these observations while reviewing the latest compliance affidavit filed by Chandigarh in a case relating to the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and allied environmental issues.The administration claimed that all wastewater discharge points into the seasonal rivulets (choes) had been successfully intercepted. It stated that 17 discharge points were identified and tapped in Sukhna Choe, 19 in N-Choe and six in Patiala ki Rao.However, the amicus noted that despite these claims, sewage continues to find its way into the choes, with Faidan Choe openly acknowledged as receiving sewage that eventually flows into the Ghaggar river.Beyond the choes, the amicus sharply questioned the UT’s broader waste management narrative, describing the affidavit as riddled with “inconsistencies, data gaps and areas lacking clarity” — particularly in waste accounting, treatment efficiency, environmental safety and regulatory compliance.Red flags raisedSewage treatment shortcomings:Chandigarh generates around 232 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, with treatment capacity only marginally higher. However, the Raipur Kalan sewage treatment plant (STP) is operating beyond its installed capacity, while the 135 MLD STP at Diggian continues to await “consent to operate”, with no clear explanation.Solid waste processing gaps:Of the reported 286 tonnes per day (TPD) of biodegradable waste, only 190 TPD reaches the compost plant, leaving nearly 96 TPD unaccounted for.The refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plant receives 109 TPD, but only 82 TPD is utilised by industries and 2 TPD is landfilled, leaving 25 TPD unexplained.Compost output stands at a disproportionately low 7 TPD. Test reports have revealed the presence of heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium, lead and nickel, raising concerns over long-term soil and environmental contamination.Legacy waste and landfill concernsLegacy waste at the dumping site has reportedly reduced from 55,000 metric tonnes to 6,100 MT, with bioremediation slated for completion by April 2026. While 20 acres of the 45-acre site have been reclaimed and 16.7 acres capped, 8.2 acres continue to function as a sanitary landfill.The landfill currently receives multiple waste streams — including RDF residue, heavy metal-laden compost inert, waste-to-energy (WTE) residue and legacy inert waste — prompting concerns over cumulative environmental and health impacts arising from the co-disposal of hazardous materials.The handling of 27 TPD of inert waste, dairy waste and construction and demolition (C&D) waste also remains unclear.The UT opened a ring-fenced account — a financial mechanism to earmark funds for environmental compensation — on November 4, 2024, with an expenditure of Rs 202.8 crore reported so far. However, no detailed breakup of the expenditure has been provided.BOX: Critical issues under scannerGaps in waste accountingInefficiencies in processing, particularly composting and RDF utilisationPresence of heavy metals in compostContinued discharge of sewage into stormwater drainsOperational irregularities in STPs, including overcapacity operation and pending approvalsLack of transparency in utilisation of funds under the ring-fenced accountPotential environmental risks from co-disposal of multiple waste streams at the landfill“The affidavit filed by the Union Territory of Chandigarh contains several inconsistencies, data gaps and areas lacking clarity, particularly in relation to waste accounting, treatment efficacy, environmental safety and regulatory compliance. These issues warrant further clarification and appropriate directions from this Tribunal.”— Amicus curiaeThe contaminantsFaecal coliform: Bacteria originating from the intestines of humans and animals, indicating sewage or manure contaminationTotal coliform: A broad group of microorganisms found in soil, vegetation and faecal matterBiochemical oxygen demand (BOD): The amount of dissolved oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to break down organic matter over a specific period. High BOD levels indicate elevated pollution
