Delhi CM inaugurates effluent treatment plant

New Delhi, Jun 22 (UNI) An effluent treatment plant built as part of efforts to reduce industrial pollution in the Yamuna was formally handed over to the society for operation by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today.

The 24 MLD Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at Okhla Industrial Area was the 10th CETP that became operational since the Supreme Court ordered in 1996 that steps be taken to treat industrial waste before it reaches the river.

In all, 15 CETPs were proposed to be built at a total cost of Rs 256 crore in the capital. Two CETPs are under construction and three have been kept in abeyance on the directions of EPCA (an authority appointed by the Supreme Court), an official press note stated.

The Okhla CEPT, costing Rs 20 crore, was built with financial participation of CEPT Society Okhla, besides the Delhi and Central governments.

During trial run, it was established that the treated effluent met the required standards as per environmental law and could be used for irrigation, horticulture and industrial purposes, the statement added.

After the successful trial run the plant was handed over to the CEPT Society on March one. The Society was operating the plant ''satisfactorily and the Delhi State Industrial Development Corporation Limited was providing periodic technical assistance, it added.

UNI VN VD PM1706