National Green Tribunal
M. Dhamotharan S/O Marappan vs The Secretary To Government, ... on 6 April, 2022
Bench: K Ramakrishnan, K. Satyagopal
Item No.5: Court No.1
BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
SOUTHERN ZONE, CHENNAI
(Through Video Conference)
Original Application No.164 of 2017 (SZ)
IN THE MATTER OF:
M. Dhamotharan
S/o. Marappan
3/38, Gate Thottam, Mannarai,
Tiruppur - 641 607.
...Applicant(s)
Versus
The Secretary to Government,
Environment & Forest Department,
Government of Tamil Nadu,
Secretariat, Fort St. George,
Chennai and Ors.
...Respondent(s)
Date of hearing: 06.04.2022.
CORAM:
HON'BLE Mr. JUSTICE K. RAMAKRISHNAN, JUDICIAL MEMBER
HON'BLE Dr. SATYAGOPAL KORLAPATI, EXPERT MEMBER
For Applicant(s): Mr. S. Kamalesh Kannan.
For Respondent(s): Dr. D. Shanmuganathan for R1, R2, R4 & R5.
Mr. Sankar Vignesh represented
Mrs. Shanmugavalli for R3.
Dr. D. Shanmuganathan represented
Mr. P. Srinivas for R6.
Page 1 of 22
ORDER
1. As per order dated 23.11.2021, this Tribunal had considered the order dated 28.09.2021, extracted in Para (1) of the order and also considered the report submitted by the Tiruppur Municipal Corporation (6 th Respondent) dated 19.11.2021, e-filed on 22.11.2021 which was extracted in Para (3) of the order and also considered the action taken report submitted by the Water Resources Department dated 22.11.2021, e-filed on 23.11.2021 which was extracted in Para (6) of the order and then, passed the following order:-
"7. The Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are intended for the purpose of treating the sewage, not to treat the effluents that are being mixed with effluents from the industrial area and it is for the Pollution Control Board to look into the issue and take appropriate action against those industries who are discharging their effluents without treating the same.
8. Further, industries are also expected to convert the effluent treatment system to one of ZLD and they are not expected to discharge the same outside the units. Unless, the Pollution Control Board takes stringent action against those industries, problems could not be solved.
9. So under such circumstances, we feel that it is necessary to direct the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to ascertain as to whether there is any possibility of untreated industrial effluent being mixed either in the storm water drain or sewage drain, which ultimately reaches the water body and if any of the industries are violating the conditions imposed, what is the nature of action to be taken by them and they are directed to submit the report in this regard before the next hearing date.
10. In the meantime, Tiruppur Municipal Corporation is also directed to submit details of temporary measures proposed by which they are going to collect and treat the sewage from the area which is not connected to the Under Ground Sewage System (UGSS) so as to avoid the discharge of untreated sewage into the water body, till the Under Ground Sewage System (UGSS) is completed in that area.
11. The Tiruppur Municipal Corporation is also expected to use their powers vested under Municipal Laws to take action against those industries who have not complied with the pollution norms and discharging the Page 2 of 22 untreated effluents into the storm water drain and other drains, which ultimately reaches the water bodies.
12. The above said officials are directed to file their respective reports to this Tribunal on or before 20.12.2021 by e-filing in the form of Searchable PDF/OCR Supportable PDF and not in the form of Image PDF along with necessary hardcopies to be produced as per Rules.
13. The Registry is directed to communicate this order to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Tiruppur Municipal Corporation, Water Resources Department including the Additional Chief Secretary for Municipal Administration and Water Supply, Principal Secretaries for Environment and Revenue, Additional Chief Secretary for Public Works Department and Water Resources Department by e-mail immediately for their information and compliance of the direction."
2. The case was originally posted to 20.12.2021 for consideration of further action taken report. Thereafter, the matter has been adjourned from time to time by successive notifications and lastly, it was adjourned to today by notification dated 21.03.2022.
3. After the case was adjourned in November 2021, we have received the report submitted by the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Water Resources Department dated 21.12.2021, e-filed on 23.12.2021 which reads as follows:-
"ACTION TAKEN REPORT FILED BY ADDITIONAL CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT I Dr. Sandeep Saxena, 1.A.S., aged 55, Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department hereby submit the Action Taken Report as follows:
In Compliance of the orders of this Hon'ble Tribunal, the Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Chennai, had constituted a Joint Committee comprising the following officials.Page 3 of 22
Based on the orders of this Honourable Tribunal, Dated 28.09.2021, 29.10.2021 and 23.11.2021 the following Action taken report is submitted.
It is respectfully submitted that this Honourable Tribunal is seized of the issue relating to removal of encroachment from Nallaru odai and to make the lake free from any polluted water.
Series of directions were issued for restoring the dysfunctional Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) by the Water Resources Department.
It is respectfully submitted that the Sarkar Periyapalayam Tank (Nanjarayan Lake) is located in Sarkar Periyapalayam Village in Uthukuli Taluk, Tirupur District. The 'Nallaru odai is feeding the Sarkarperiyapalayam Tank. This tank is under the maintenance of Water Resources Department. It is, with regret submitted that dyeing factories in the upstream side of the tank discharge their untreated effluents into the Nallaru odai, which flows into the tank. Further, the Sewage Water of the Tirupur Corporation also mixes with the tank through this Nallaru odai and as a result, it creates water pollution and other health hazards to the public living in the locality.
It is respectfully submitted that the TDS value of the impounded tank water was high in the range of about 2500 to 3200, which makes the water unsuitable for agriculture. The Ayacutdars belonging to the tank are badly affected due to this problem. As a measure of solving this perennial issue, the Government had sanctioned Rs.4.00 crore from the "Environment Protection and Renewable Energy Fund" during the year 2014-2015 vide G.O. NO. 80, Environment and Forest (EC2) Page 4 of 22 Department dated 10.09.2014. Based on the Government order, during March 2015, to restore the tank in good condition, work relating to installation of a sewage treatment plant of 1.5 MLD capacity, desilting the salt laden soil from the tank bed, diversion channel to divert the polluted water from the diversion weir to the treatment plant, reconstruction of sluices etc., were undertaken.
It is respectfully submitted that the sewage treatment plant in Sarkar periyapalayam Tank is designed in such a way that the waste water from the Nallaru odai is diverted through a baby canal and then enters into the STP, having a capacity of 1.5 MLD for treatment. The treated water from the sewage treatment plant is to be diverted to the Sarkar Periyapalayam tank. The excess waste water, if any, is diverted through the baby canal located along the periphery tank and let into the downstream side without entering the Sarkar Periyapalayam tank.
It is respectfully submitted that the proposal to handover the treatment plant to the Tirupur City Municipal Corporation is under the consideration of the Government, in Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department.
It is humbly submitted that this Honourable Tribunal, in the order dated 10.06.2021, directed the Water Resources Department to take up steps for revamping the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) without any further delay and to operate the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) so as to reduce the organic pollutants in the Nallaru odai and to divert the treated water into the lake.
It is humbly submitted that the inflow of 1.5 MLD into the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is found to be predominantly industrial (dyeing) effluent rather than domestic sewage. Since the plant is designed for treating only domestic sewage, it is incapable of treating the industrial effluent. Therefore, even if the plant is operational, the Water Resources Department cannot take over the plant for maintenance. It is felt that the plant needs upgraded to treat both industrial effluence and domestic sewage.
In this context, a meeting was convened by the District Collector, Tirupur on 26.07.2021 and instructions were issued to the Tirupur City Municipal Corporation to take over the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) from Page 5 of 22 the Water Resources Department. Based on such instructions, a combined inspection was made by the Commissioner, Tirupur City Municipal Corporation along with the officials of Water Resources Department and the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) consultants on 30.07.2021. A meeting was also conducted to specifically explore the possibility of re-designing the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for its current inflow in the baby canal. It was ascertained that due to urbanization of outskirts in and around Tirupur City Municipal Corporation, the prevailing inflow in the baby canal gets increased as such, 10 MLD capacity of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is required. Therefore, it was insisted that the existing Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) should be upgraded to 10 MLD capacity from 1.5 MLD for accommodating the current inflow from Nallaru odai. Accordingly, an estimate was prepared by the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Consultant on 31.08.2021, and the Executive Engineer, Water Resources Department, Lower Bhavani Basin Division, Erode has sent the proposal to the Commissioner, Tirupur City Municipal Corporation for upgrading the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) which works out to Rs.4.20 crore. The Commissioner, Tirupur City Municipal Corporation has addressed the Executive Engineer, Water Resources Department to re submit the proposal as it has some discrepancies.
Further, it is respectfully submitted that periodical meetings are being conducted among officials of the Water Resources Department, Pollution Control Board, Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) consultants in coordination with the District Collector on this subject. The Pollution Control Board officials are also monitoring various dying units located in the District in order to strictly comply with the pollution control norms. It is respectfully submitted that preventing the untreated effluent from mixing in the lake are the main focus entrusted with the Pollution Control Board of the District. As per the report of the Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, it is submitted that none of the Dyeing or Bleaching unit located on the upstream side of the Nanjarayan lake is directly discharging treated or untreated effluent into the Nallar odai. However, during the inspection of the committee constituted in the Olo. District Environmental Engineer, Tiruppur Page 6 of 22 North for filing report to the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal, it is observed that some of the washing and small printing units located on the upstream side of the Nanjarayan lake are not operating the Effluent Treatment Plant property and discharging effluent in to the small drains leading to Nallar odai.
Action is being taken to close 11 such units through District Coordination Committed by District Environmental Engineer, Tiruppur North.
It is respectively submitted that the Pollution Control Board has also been advised to adhere to polluter pay principle/norms as enunciated by the Honourable Supreme Court in various cases relating to environmental pollution. Unless the dying units are prevented or prohibited from letting out the untreated effluents into the lake, the issue relating to cleansing the lake cannot be sorted out. The Government, in its various efforts and interventions, are resorting to zero-tolerance in this matter. The various orders issued by this Honourable Tribunal are periodically implemented. There were several meetings and/or review meetings periodically conducted and all the concerned wings of the Government are taking out all efforts to ensure that the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is made functional soon. Once the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is operational, the issue will no longer survive for consideration of this Honourable Tribunal. At the same time, the issue involved in this case requires a longer period and it is assured that all the related departments of the Government are wholly and fully involved in ensuring compliance of the various orders passed by this Honourable Tribunal.
It is therefore humbly prayed that this Honourable National Green Tribunal may be pleased to accept this report and to grant adequate time for reporting the operationalization of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) before this Honourable National Green Tribunal and pass further suitable orders and thus render justice."
4. The State Pollution Control Board also filed an action taken report signed by the officer on 17.12.2021, e-filed on 24.12.2021 which reads as follows:-
Page 7 of 22ACTION TAKEN REPORT OF TAMILNADU POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD SUBMITTED BEFORE THE HON'BLE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL (SOUTHERN ZONE), CHENNAI IN THE MATTER OF ORIGINAL APPLICATION No. 164 OF 2017 (SZ), THIRU. M. DHAMOTHARAN Vs THE SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, ENVIRONMENT & FOREST DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF TAMILANDU, AS PER ORDER DATED 23rd NOVEMBER, 2021
1. Background In the matter of Original application No. 164 of 2017, Thiru. D.Dhamotharan Vs The Secretary to Government, E&F Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai and 5 others has passed an order dated 13/12/2019 to constitute a committee comprising of the following members namely District Collector, Tiruppur, Senior Scientist/representative of regional office of CPCB, Tamil Nadu State Pollution Control Board, Commissioner, Tiruppur Municipal Corporation, Senior Engineer of Public Works Department (PWD) Water Treatment Organisation, one scientist from NEERI and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Chennai.
In compliance to Hon'ble NGT order, Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board constituted the committee. The Committee has carried out the field visit to the area in question which is a subject matter in O.A. No 164 of 2017 during February 04th& 05th, 2020 and already detailed report of the committee was filed before Hon'ble NGT with the following conclusion and Suggestion of Committee to protect the water quality of Nanjarayan Lake "......., based on the above facts, it is concluded that
(i) The presence of Domestic sewage is predominant in both Nallaru Odai and Nanjarayan Lake. Discharge from illegal dyeing units/ incidental or accidental over flow from man holes of pumping mains of CETPs may flow through Nallaru Odai which may not be ruled out.
(ii) During monsoon, joining of surface runoff (from old solar pans, sludge storage area and ETP area) from M/s Angeripalayam CETP into Nallaru Odai may not be ruled out.
(iii) The accumulation of decomposed silt, water weeds and garbages in the Nallaru Odai confirms the poor maintenance and least importance given to water body.
(iv) Encroachment along the Nallaru Odai results into change of physical appearance from natural stream to sewage drain
(v) The average concentration of BOD (8.0 mg/L), DO (4.0 mg/L) and EC (3164 µs/cm ) of the Lake water indicates the poor water quality and not meeting of any class of designated best use of CPCB classification.
(vi) Due to restoration work carried out in the Nanjarayan Lake in the past and diversion of Nallaru Odai results to less odour nuisance and survival of fishes/aquatic life 1 Page 8 of 22
(vii) For assessing the quantum of compensation for restoration of Lake detailed assessment study of Lake is required.
7.0 Suggestion of Committee to protect the water quality of Nanjarayan Lake :
To protect water quality of Nanjarayan Lake, it is suggested to take following measures
(a) Rejuvenation of Nallaru Odai :
• To take steps to rejuvenate the Nallaru Odai by evacuating the encroachments as per the Re-survey Records of Tamilnadu Government.
• To take regular maintenance of Nallaru Odai by desilting and renovating the side walls of Odai.
• To direct the Municipal authority to install Under Ground Drainage system to collect domestic sewage of Tiruppur Municipality and to install STP to treat the same and not to allow any domestic sewage into Nallaru Odai.
• To direct the municipal authority to take steps to divert the drains carrying domestic sewage to nearby STP and not to let out into Nallaru Odai or any other water bodies.
• To ensure the proper collection of solid waste from residential and commercial area and not to allow any public to litter any solid wastes / garbage into Nallaru Odai or any nearby water bodies
(b) Operation of STP constructed by PWD to improve the water quality of Lake :
To direct the PWD to take immediate steps for revamping of STP without any further delay.
To operate STP continuously and efficiently to reduce the organic pollutants in the Nallaru Odai and to divert the treated water into Lake.
To install adequate number of online monitoring system to monitor pH, EC, TDS, BOD and COD in different stretches of Nallaru Odai to identify the polluted stretches and to facilitate the identification of violating industries of particular stretch for penalizing.
(c) Rejuvenation of Nanjarayan Lake :
To delineate the water tank area and to construct the proper bund with fence to protect the water body from human inception and to serve the purpose of improving ground water in the surrounding area as well as to meet the irrigation water demand of the nearby villages.
To direct the PWD to take up detailed study to assess the quantity and quality of silt accumulated in the Nanjarayan Lake by engaging expert institute. Based on the outcome of the study desilting and rejuvenation of Lake may be taken up.2 Page 9 of 22
To take steps to restore the water quality of water tanks by removing the unwanted substances from water tanks and to avoid the mosquito breeding and odour nuisance.
After Rejuvenation of Lake, to take periodical maintenance of water tank by removing silt and water weeds to increase water storage capacity of Lake since it is either rain fed or filled through feeder canal (Nallaru Odai) during rainy days.
(d) Monitoring of CETPs and their member units :
To direct the TNPCB to monitor closely all member units of CETPs with respect to water consumption, effluent generated and quantity of effluent sent to CETP for cross verification of any bypass arrangements if any. On account of any single observation of illegal discharge/by pass arrangement, action against the industry shall be taken and environmental compensation may recovered as per CPCB guidelines.
To direct CETPs to check their pumping mains and manholes daily to avoid any accidental/incidental leakages/overflow of effluents from their manhole/pipelines which may ultimately joins the Nallaru Odai.
To direct the TNPCB to monitor closely the CETPs with respect to Effluent received, water recovered through RO/MEE, reject management for cross verification of any bypass arrangements if any. On account of any single observation of illegal discharge/bypass arrangement, action against the industry shall be taken and environmental compensation may be recovered as per CPCB guidelines.
To direct all CETPs to install online monitoring system (pH, EC, TDS) to their storm water drains meant for carrying surface runoff during monsoon which ultimately joins the Nallaru Odai. The online monitoring system shall be connected to TNPCB, on account of any incidence of high TDS, action against the CETP shall be taken and environmental compensation may be recovered as per CPCB guidelines."
Action has been already taken to comply with the committee recommendation and time to time direction of the Hon'ble NGT by respective departments. The report on action taken has been submitted separately by the concern departments The Hon'ble NGT in its latest order dated 23rd November 2021 has stated the following ".........., 7. The Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are intended for the purpose of treating the sewage, not to treat the effluents that are being mixed with effluents from the industrial area and it is for the Pollution Control Board to look into the issue and take appropriate action against those industries who are discharging their effluents without treating the same.
8. Further, industries are also expected to convert the effluent treatment system to one of ZLD and they are not expected to discharge the same outside the units. Unless, the Pollution Control Board takes stringent action against those industries, problems could not be solved.
3 Page 10 of 229. So under such circumstances, we feel that it is necessary to direct the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to ascertain as to whether there is any possibility of untreated industrial effluent being mixed either in the storm water drain or sewage drain, which ultimately reaches the water body and if any of the industries are violating the conditions imposed, what is the nature of action to be taken by them and they are directed to submit the report in this regard before the next hearing date."
and directed to file reports to the Hon'ble Tribunal on or before 20.12.2021 by e-filing in the form of Searchable PDF/OCR Supportable PDF and not in the form of Image PDF along with necessary hardcopies to be produced as per Rules.
Based on the above Hon'ble NGT order a team was formed comprising the TNPCB Engineers as members. The team had carried out inspection to the units which are located along the Nallaru Odai stretch from Thirumuruganpoondi to Nanjarayan Lake on 11.12.2021, 13.12.2021 and 15.12.2021 in order to identify the illegal operation and discharge of untreated trade effluent by the industries in to the Nallaru Odai.
Totally 71 Nos. of units located along Nallar Odai stretch were inspected and the break up details of the same are as follows:
i. Printing units - 26 Nos.
ii. Washing units - 25 Nos.
iii. Angeripalayam CETP Member units-10 Nos.
iv. Park CETP members Units - 3 Nos.
v. Dyeing Unit with Individual ETP - 1 No. vi. Bleaching Unit with Individual ETP - 1 No. vii. Garment Units - 3 Nos.
viii. Knitting Units - 2 Nos.
During inspection the following were observed.
1. No Bleaching and Dyeing units are discharging effluent into Nallaru Odai directly or indirectly. The dyeing and bleaching units located near the Nallaru Odai are either member units of CETP or units provided with Individual Effluent treatment plant & ZLD treatment system.
2. During inspection of the CETP and its member units no discharge of trade effluent noticed.
3. Out of the above mentioned 71 units, 11 units were violating and illegally discharging the untreated trade effluent directly or indirectly either to Nallar Odai or onland for open percolation / nearby drain which in turn reaches Nallaru Odai out of this 6 units were issued with Power supply disconnection order through District Co-ordination Committee on 16.12.2021 and the same has been forwarded to SE, TNEB, Tiruppur for compliance and 5 units were issued with Show cause notices.4 Page 11 of 22
The list of 11 number of units are as follows.
Sl.
Name & Address of the Unit Action Taken by TNPCB No. M/s. Sri Akshaya Washing, Recommended for Power 3/253 A, Athupalayam, supply disconnection through 1 Pattathu Amman Kovil Back Side, District Co-ordination Thirumuruganpoondi, Tiruppur. Committee M/s. Sri S.S. Washing, Recommended for Power S.F. No. 314/1D, supply disconnection through 2 Chettipalayam Village, District Co-ordination Tiruppur North Taluk, Committee Tiruppur District.
M/s. Sri Thanvarshini Knit Finishers, Recommended for Power
S.F. No. 417, 418, supply disconnection through
3
Anupparpalayam Village, District Co-ordination
Tiruppur Taluk, Tiruppur District. Committee
Recommended for Power
M/s. Jaiwin Washing
supply disconnection through
4 No.93/548-A, Thiruvalluvar Nagar,
District Co-ordination
Athupalayam, Tiruppur - 641 652
Committee
M/s. Winbow Dryer &
Drying Yard Premises used Recommended for Power
unauthorized, supply disconnection through
5&6
S.F. No. 287/2, Goundachy Thottam, District Co-ordination
Thirumuruganpoondi, Committee
Tiruppur.
M/s. Sree Vignesh Washing,
7 S.F. No. 417 & 418,
Velamapalyam Village,
Show Cause Notice Issued
Tiruppur North Taluk,
Tiruppur District.
M/s. The Thirumoorthi Washing,
8 S.F. No. 397, Velampalayam Village, Show Cause Notice Issued
Tiruppur North Taluk,
Tiruppur District.
M/s. Dharanish Washing,
9 S.F. No. 71, 72, Mannarai Village, Show Cause Notice Issued
Tiruppur North Taluk,
Tiruppur District.
M/s. Devi Printing,
10 S.F. No. 373/4, Show Cause Notice Issued
Velamapalayam Village,
Tiruppur North Taluk,
Tiruppur District.
M/s. Barani Printing,
11 S.F. No. 285 Part, Show Cause Notice Issued
Chettipalayam Village,
Tiruppur North Taluk,
Tiruppur District.
The above 11 units are small scale washing and Printing units located near the Nallaru Odai.
Also during routine inspection by Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board officials on various dates during the month of October and November action has been taken against 7 numbers of washing units for illegal operation and discharge of untreated trade effluent in to Nallaru Odai.
5 Page 12 of 22Action taken in the month of October 2021 & November 2021 Sl. No. Name & Address of the Unit Action Taken by TNPCB
1. M/s. Majestic Heat Setting Power Supply Disconnected S.F No 408/2A & 409 through TNPCB Corporate Office Velampalayam Village, Tiruppur North Taluk, Tiruppur District - 641 652.
2. M/s. Renuga Washing, Power Supply Disconnected S.F.No.406/7 Part, through TNPCB Corporate Office Velampalayam Village, Tiruppur North Taluk, Tiruppur District - 641 652.
3. M/s. CR Tex Power Supply Disconnected S.F.No.406/5 Part, through TNPCB Corporate Office Velampalayam Village, Tiruppur North Taluk, Tiruppur District - 641 652.
4. M/s. Sre Garuda Tex, X Power Supply Disconnected S.F.No.407, Athuvazhi Thottam, through TNPCB Corporate Office Anupparpalayam Village Tiruppur North Taluk, Tiruppur District - 641 652.
5. M/s. Senthur Washing, Power Supply Disconnected S.F. No. 260/2B2 Part, through District Co-ordination Thottipalayam Village, Committee Tiruppur North Taluk, Tiruppur District.
6. M/s. Varshiga Washing, Power Supply Disconnected No. 1/489, Ganapathy Nagar, already and Sealed Abirami Theatre Backside, Boyampalayam, Pooluvapatti Post, Tiruppur - 641 602.
7. M/s. Sri Saraswathi Knit Finishers, Power Supply Disconnected S,F. No. 223 Part, through District Co-ordination Thottipalayam Village, Committee Tiruppur North Taluk, Tiruppur District.
The Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board has collected Water samples in Nanjarayan Lake on 24.06.2021, 20.07.2021 & 05.08.2021. The Report of analysis and the inference of the sample collected are as follows.
6 Page 13 of 221.1 Report of analysis of Water samples collected on 24.06.2021 in Nanjarayan Lake Point of collection Inside the Lake (in the South East Corner) pH (Num) 8.324 Total suspended solids mg/l 4 Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 1196 Chloride (as CL) mg/l 644 Sulfate (as SO4) mg/l 52 COD mg/l 88 o BOD 3 days at 27 C mg/l 3 Total Residual Chlorinemg/l <1.0 Phosphate (as P)mg/l * TKN mg/l 8 Nitrate (as No._3N) mg/l 2.9 Sulfide mg/l <1.0 Phenolic Compounds mg/l <0.0005 Total Hardness mg/l 300 % Sodium 78 1.2. Report of analysis of Water samples collected on 20.07.2021 in Nanjarayan Lake Point of collection Northeast Corner in Southeast Corner Nanjarayan Lake in Nanjarayan Lake pH (Num) 6.92 6.79 Total suspended solids mg/l 12 8 Total Dissolved Solids 2032 2120 mg/l Chloride (asCL) mg/l 519 617 Sulfate (as SO4) mg/l 435 455 COD mg/l 320 400 BOD 3 days at 27o C mg/l 34 38 Phosphatemg/l * * Ammonical Nitrogen mg/l 18 18 TKN mg/l 20 25 Nitrite (as No._3N) mg/l 0.459 0.455 Nitrate (as No._3N) mg/l 0.553 1.08 Sulfide mg/l 4.8 8 7 Page 14 of 22 Phenolic Compounds mg/l <0.0005 <0.0005 % Sodium 52 62 Electrical Conductivitymg/l 2874 3019 Total Iron mg/l 0.0181 0.0214 Total Chromiummg/l <0.05 <0.05 Copper mg/l 0.0613 0.0572 Zinc mg/l 0.2366 0.2157 Lead mg/l 0.2704 0.2744 Cadmium mg/l 0.1608 0.142 Cyanide mg/l 0.018 0.021 DO mg/l 8 15 * SAR mg/l 5.83965 6.5288 Manganese mg/l 2.9795 3.137 1.3. Report of analysis of Water samples Collected on 05.08.2021 in Nanjarayan Lake Point of Northeast Corner in Southeast Corner in collection Nanjarayan Lake Nanjarayan Lake pH (Num) 8.302 8.443 Total suspended solids mg/l 48 68 Total Dissolved Solids mg/l 1644 1508 Chloride (asCL) mg/l 663 529 Sulfate (as SO4) mg/l 320 344 COD mg/l 360 440 BOD 3 days at 27oC mg/l 13 13 Phosphatemg/l Ammonical Nitrogen mg/l 1.1 BDL(DL:1.0) TKN mg/l 24 24 Nitrite (as No._3N) mg/l 1.7 1.2 Nitrate (as 0.42 0.36 No._3N) mg/l Sulfide mg/l <1.0 <1.0 Phenolic Compounds mg/l <0.0005 <0.0005 % Sodium 64 60 Electrical Conductivity mg/l 2819 2762 8 Page 15 of 22 Total Iron mg/l 0.21 1.09 Total Chromium mg/l 0.032 0.037 Copper mg/l BLQ(LOQ:0.005) BLQ(LOQ:0.005) Zinc mg/l 0.01 0.017 Lead mg/l 0.074 BLQ(LOQ:0.005) Cadmium mg/l BLQ(LOQ:0.005) BLQ(LOQ:0.005) Cyanide mg/l BDL(DL:1.0) BDL(DL:1.0) DO mg/l Nil Nil SAR mg/l 6.8 5.9 Manganese mg/l 0.102 0.099 Boron mg/l 0.112 0.125 1.4. Report of analysis of Fecal Coliform and Total Coliform in the Water samples Collected on 20.07.2021 & 05.08.2021 in Nanjarayan Lake Date of Parameters Northeast Southeast collection Corner in Corner in Nanjarayan Nanjarayan Lake Lake Faecal Coliform 21 17 MPN/100ml 20.07.2021 Total Coliform 70 63 MPN/100ml Faecal Coliform <2 <2 MPN/100ml 05.08.2021 Total Coliform 140 90 MPN/100ml It was observed from the analysis result of samples taken in different months that, there is variation in the parameters in the same locations where samples were collected. This may be due to seasonal change, Time of sample collected and other factors. From the above results of water samples collected from Nanjarayan Lake following inference are made
a) The presence of Total Coliform (63 - 140 MPN/100ml) and Faecal Coliform (17 - 21 MPN/100ml) indicates the inception of Domestic sewage into Nanjarayan Lake.
b) However the concentration of Boron (0.112 - 0.125 mg/L), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) (5.19-6.8) found well within the limit of irrigation water quality.
c) The concentration of TDS (1196 - 2120 mg/L), Chloride (519 - 663 mg/L), Sulphate (52 - 455 mg/L).
9 Page 16 of 22The O/o Environmental Engineer, Flying squad, TNPCB Tiruppur is regularly monitoring the major water bodies in Tiruppur, The Nanjarayan Lake is one of the water body monitored. The TDS details of the Nannjarayan Lake is as follows Report of analysis of Water samples Collected in Nanjarayan Lake Sl. No Month Date of Sample TDS at the Outlet of collection Nanjarayan Tank (mg/L) 1 07.01.2021 1460 Jan-21 2 25.01.2021 1544 3 05.02.2021 1456 Feb-21 4 26.02.2021 1720 5 Mar-21 17.03.2021 1392 6 Apr-21 28.04.2021 1816 7 Jun-21 16.06.2021 776 8 Jul-21 06.07.2021 1396 9 Aug-21 03.08.2021 1664 Average 1469 The monthly TDS observed in the Nanjarayan Lake during the year 2021 ranges from 776 mg/L to 1816 mg/L.
3. The observation on Nallaru Odai & Nanjarayan Lake:
Nallaru Odai:
During inspections on 11.12.2021, 13.12.2021 and 15.12.2021 the following observation were made
a) During inspections there was considerable flow noticed in the Nallaru Odai. No coloured flow was noticed in the Nallaru Odai. In the banks of Nallaru Odai dumping of Municipal solid waste was noticed.
b) The TDS value on the day of inspection in the Nallar Odai at Thirumuruganpoondi Bridge is 957 mg/l and at the bridge near M/s. Angeripalayam CETP is 1551 mg/l as per the portable TDS meter.
c) Major stretch of Nallaru Odai it is covered with Seemaikaruvelam Water Hyacinth and other bushes.
Nanjarayan Lake:
a) During inspection it was observed that lean flow over the check dam constructed across the Nallaru Odai was flowing in to the Nanjarayan Lake, The colour of the water in the Lake was found natural and no odour experienced near the Lake.
b) Various local Birds and Birds fromthe foreigncountry were found visiting to the Nanjarayan Lake Patches of water holding area of the NanjarayanLake and all boundary area of the lake is surrounded with Seemaikaruvelam and Water Hyacinth.10 Page 17 of 22
1. Action taken by Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board
1. As per the instruction of TNPCB the CETP's have installed 14 Nos. of CCTV Cameras and 3 Nos. of Online TDS meters along the stretch of Nallaru Odai. The Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board has instructed the CETP's to connect the CCTV's and TDS meters through online portal so as to have a centralized monitor system and to ensure that there is no discharge of industrial effluent into the Nallaru Odai.
Sl. Reference
Location of CCTV
No. Number
1 1- CCTV U/s of KTM dyeing ( East Facing)
2 2- CCTV D/s of KTM Dyeing (East Facing)
3 3- CCTV D/s of Sri Valli Process (East Facing)
4 4- CCTV D/s of Sri Valli Process (West Facing)
5 5- CCTV D/s of Angeripalayam Bridge (East Facing)
6 6- CCTV U/s of SVP Knit process (South Facing)
7 7- CCTV D/s of SVP Knit process (East Facing)
8 8- CCTV D/s of SVP Knit process (West Facing)
9 9- CCTV D/s of SVP Knit process boiler (East Facing)
10 10- CCTV U/s of Welcome Dyers (West facing)
11 11- CCTV U/s of Nagsai Colours (West Facing)
12 12- CCTV U/s of Nagsai Colours (East Facing)
13 13- CCTV Angeripalayam CETP Aeration Tank (West Facing)
Sl. Reference Location of Online TDS meter
No Number
1 1- TDS TDS Meter (U/s of KTM Dyeing)
2 2- TDS TDS Meter -D/s of Park Members (Poomparai
Bridge)
3 3- TDS TDS Meter - in D/s of Angeripalayam CETP
11
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2. As per the instruction of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board the Angeripalayam CETP has formed a team to examine the pipe line and manholes on daily basis to monitor their pipeline and manholes.
3. The Angeripalayam CETP was instructed to strengthen the Manholes located in the Nallaru Odai and the CETP is in process of exploring the modern mechanism to monitor and avoid if there is any leakage/seepage from the Manholes.
4. Frequency of regular monitoring of Industries and stretches of Nallaru Odai by the O/o District Environmental Engineer, Tiruppur North & O/o Environmental Engineer flying squad is being increased in order to avoid and prevent any illegal inflow of industrial effluent in to Nallaru Odai and Nanjarayan Lake."
5. It is seen from the report submitted by the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Water Resources Department that due to urbanization of outskirts in and around Tiruppur Municipal Corporation, the prevailing inflow in the baby canal gets increased and as such, 10 MLD capacity of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is required. So, they insisted that the existing Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) should be upgraded to 10 MLD from 1.5 MLD for accommodating the current inflow from Nallaru odai. Accordingly, an estimate at a cost of Rs.4.20 Crores was prepared by the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Consultant on 31.08.2021 and the Executive Engineer, WRD, Lower Bhavani Basin Division, Erode has sent proposal to the Commissioner, Tiruppur Municipal Corporation for upgrading the Sewage Treatment Plant Page 19 of 22 (STP). The Commissioner, Tiruppur Municipal Corporation had addressed the Executive Engineer, WRD to resubmit the proposal, as there are some discrepancies and it is not known as to what happened thereafter.
6. It is seen from the report submitted by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board that they issued closure orders to some of the industries which are violating the norms and issued show cause notice to certain units and there are certain recommendations made by them. They also installed certain CCTV cameras at the CETP points to monitor the violation (if any) committed by the CETP operator and industrial units.
7. The Tiruppur Municipal Corporation has not filed the further progress report regarding the progress of work done by them and the result of such progress in arresting the pollution.
8. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Water Resources Department is directed to look into the proposal for upgrading the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to 10 MLD capacity and whether any further improvement happened in respect of such upgradation as suggested by him. If not, the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Water Resources Department is directed to look into the issue personally and if there is any inaction on the part of the authorities in carrying out the directions, take appropriate steps to Page 20 of 22 ensure that such directions are implemented with timeline and submit a report regarding the proposal for upgradation, its status and the timeline within which that will be completed and if any funds are required for that purpose, what is the nature of action taken by them on their side to meet the situation.
9. Commissioner - Tiruppur Municipal Corporation, State Pollution Control Board and the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Water Resources Department are directed to file their respective further reports to this Tribunal regarding the subsequent development, progress and the deficiency (if any) found, what is the further action taken in this regard.
10. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board is also directed to file a further report regarding the further action taken on the basis of the show cause notice issued and also the present status of the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in Tiruppur Corporation and the status of implementation of recommendations to curb pollution to water bodies.
11. They are directed to submit the respective reports to this Tribunal on or before 28.04.2022 by e-filing in the form of Searchable PDF/OCR Supportable PDF and not in the form of Image PDF along with necessary hardcopies to be produced as per Rules.
Page 21 of 2212. The Registry is directed to communicate this order to the Commissioner - Tiruppur Municipal Corporation, Superintending Engineer - Water Resources Department, Lower Bavani Basin Division, Erode, Chairman - Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Water Resources Department by e-mail for their information and compliance of directions.
13. For consideration of further action taken report, post on 28.04.2022.
Sd/-
Justice K. Ramakrishnan, JM Sd/-
Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati, EM O.A. No.164/2017 (SZ), 06th April 2022. Mn.
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