A recent audit has raised serious concerns about the functioning and monitoring of sewage treatment infrastructure in Uttarakhand, highlighting gaps in pollution testing and financial management.
According to the audit observations, significant discrepancies were found in the testing results of the 68 MLD Jagjeetpur Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) located in Haridwar.
The test reports issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board showed major differences, raising questions about the accuracy and reliability of the state pollution board’s monitoring system.
Experts say such discrepancies could affect the evaluation of water quality and pollution control efforts in the region.
Audit Finds Financial Irregularities
The audit also revealed financial lapses in the management of funds related to sewage treatment projects.
It was found that implementing agencies retained Rs 1.92 crore of unspent funds along with Rs 0.59 crore in interest, which was against the provisions of the General Financial Rules 2017 (GFR 2017).
According to the audit report, these funds should have been returned or properly accounted for in compliance with financial regulations.
CAG Recommends Major Reforms
Based on its findings, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has recommended a series of corrective measures to strengthen sewage treatment and pollution monitoring systems.
Among the 11 key recommendations made by the CAG are:
●Conducting security audits of all sewage treatment plants (STPs)
●Connecting more households to the sewer network to reduce untreated discharge
●Establishing co-treatment plants for safe disposal of septage
●Determining STP capacity based on realistic data and demand
●Testing advanced technologies for efficient sludge management
●Running public awareness campaigns to promote the use of crematoriums instead of river-based rituals
●Ensuring urban local bodies obtain proper permissions for solid waste management
●Providing NABL accreditation to pollution control board laboratories
●Fixing accountability of agencies responsible for poor STP performance
Need for Stronger Monitoring
Experts believe that stronger monitoring mechanisms and transparent data reporting will be essential to ensure that sewage treatment plants operate effectively and prevent untreated waste from entering rivers.
The recommendations aim to improve environmental governance and ensure that pollution control systems work efficiently to protect water bodies and public health.
