Chemical Pollution Alarms—Punjab Wastewater Threatens Rajasthan’s Sutlej River Ecosystem

Punjab Wastewater Sparks Alarm: Rajasthan Strengthens SOPs to Protect Sutlej River

Jaipur, September 4, 2025 — Rajasthan Health and Engineering Minister Kanhaiya Lal Choudhary announced comprehensive measures today to combat chemical contamination in the Sutlej River—stemming from untreated wastewater in Punjab. The step comes after multiple alerts about threats to water safety and agricultural channels in the state. (Source: Times of India)

State’s Action Plan

• Rajasthan is intensifying the operation of 57 sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Punjab, with 10 more under construction.
• Real-time water quality monitoring has been set up at the Rajasthan–Punjab border, with hourly public updates at Hanumangarh.
• Central and Punjab Pollution Control Boards (CPCB & PPCB) are identifying contaminant sources, while the NGT recommends functional ETPs, CETPs, and STPs.

Growing Cross-Border Concern

Industrial discharge from Jalandhar has long threatened downstream ecosystems and agriculture, especially via the Indira Gandhi Canal system. The issue has prompted Rajasthan to push for stricter enforcement and transparent accountability from Punjab.

Community & Environmental Stakes

• Farmers and residents rely on canal water from the Sutlej—any contamination can jeopardize crops, livelihoods, and health.
• Pollutants threatening fragile desert ecosystems also risk impacting Rajasthan’s groundwater systems.

What’s Next?

• Regular joint inspections by inter-state environmental panels.
• Potential revisions to industrial discharge norms and more SWM infrastructure in border communities.
• Calls for greater public transparency via open data platforms and state-level grievance redressal tools.

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Source: Times of India (Read Original)

Labels: Water Pollution, Rajasthan, Punjab, River Safety, Environmental Policy

Tags: #SutlejPollution #WaterSafety #Rajasthan #Punjab #EnvironmentalAlert

Disclaimer: This article is based on reporting by the Times of India. Jammu News Portal does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of external sources.