Most effluent treatment plants not functioning properly: CPCB

New Delhi, May 6 (UNI) The Central Pollution Control Board has found the performance of most of the Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) operating in the country as ''very unsatisfactory'', largely because of poor maintenance and operation.

Out of 78 plants taken up for study by the Board, only five complied with the prescribed limits for general parameters like Biochemical Oxygen Demand(BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), says an official report.

The State Pollution Control Boards have been advised to conduct regular monitoring of CETPs and initiate action against negligent agencies and willful defaulters.

High TDS in treated effluent has been observed as a widespread problem as 69 out of the 78 CETPs did not comply with the prescribed standards.

Reduction in the release of TDS contributing chemicals from problem industries by adopting cleaner technologies and recovery and recycling of chemicals from waste streams is the most important action required to tackle this problem. The Board has asked the state units to consider location-specific regulations for the control of TDS.

Along with CETP, large number of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) were also not operating efficiently. There are 211 STPs in 112 of the 414 Class one cities and 31 STPs in 22 of the 489 class two cities besides 27 in 26 other small towns.

Out of the 115 STPs studied by the CBCB, 45 were operating at sub-optimal level due to improper operation and maintenance.

UNI NAZ AK KN1512