| File Note: |
The PP was issued SCN due to following reasons :
1.It has been observed that the project proponent has constructed the boundary wall around the site, and plantation has been provided within the designated green area. Further, approximately 13 residential houses, one club house, and one mandir were found under construction. However, no residential unit was found to be completed or occupied at the time of inspection. The internal road network within the colony has been partially developed. The Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) has not yet been installed at the site.
2 . It is observed that the progress made by the project proponent with respect to installation of pollution control devices is not commensurate with the stage of development of the main project. Further, the design calculations of the proposed STP do not appear to account for wastewater generation from the club house, mandir, and school, which are integral components of the project. A portion of the treated effluent is proposed to be disposed of on third-party land measuring 2.75 acres based on an agreement. However, the validity of the said agreement and contingency arrangements in case of termination of the agreement have not been specified by the project proponent.
3 . A significant discrepancy has been observed between two sets of built-up area calculations submitted by the project proponent. Due to this inconsistency, the applicability of the EIA Notification, 2006 cannot be conclusively ascertained at this stage.
4 . The project proponent is required to submit a built-up area certificate issued by the competent authority so as to enable proper assessment of whether the project attracts applicability of the EIA Notification, 2006 or not.
It is submitted that the reply furnished by the Project Proponent (PP) has been examined (copy enclosed in annotated form) by RO . The point-wise status is as under:
1. Status of Construction & STP Installation:
The PP has submitted that construction of houses is still in progress and no occupancy has been reported. It has been further stated that the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) will be completed within 3–4 months prior to occupancy. However, no documentary evidence such as work orders, agreements, or commencement records has been furnished to substantiate that the STP installation work has actually been initiated.
2. STP Capacity & Wastewater Generation:
The PP has revised the proposed STP capacity from 500 KLD to 720 KLD, taking into account wastewater generation from all components including residential units, EWS area, club house, mandir, and school. The total wastewater generation has been indicated as 706 KLD.
3. Disposal of Treated Effluent:
Earlier, the PP had proposed disposal of treated effluent on third-party land measuring 2.75 acres. The PP has now revised the proposal and submitted that treated effluent will be disposed of on its own adjoining land measuring approximately 3.77 acres, along with supporting land ownership documents and undertaking. However, as per the submitted details, approximately 385 KLD of treated wastewater is proposed to be discharged over 3.77 acres of plantation area, which does not appear to be technically adequate for safe and sustainable disposal.
4. Plantation & Green Area Development:
The PP has proposed plantation development based on Karnal Technology on the adjoining land and has also earmarked green area within the project premises, thereby making the total proposed plantation area approximately 9.19 acres. Relevant land ownership documents have been submitted in support thereof.
5. Built-up Area & Applicability of EIA Notification:
The PP has clarified that the total built-up area of the project is 1,32,810.66 m² as per the approved building plan, duly certified by the approved architect. Based on the submitted details, the project does not attract the provisions of the EIA Notification, as the total built-up area remains below the threshold of 1,50,000 m².
Recommendation by RO :
As per Annexure-2, the PP has proposed disposal of 385 KLD of treated wastewater over 3.77 acres of plantation area; however, the said area appears inadequate for the safe and sustainable disposal of the proposed effluent load. In view of the same, the proposal for plantation-based disposal is not considered technically feasible in its present form. Accordingly, if approved, it is recommended that a Show Cause Notice (SCN) be issued to the Project Proponent, along with an opportunity of personal hearing.
Examination of Reply Submitted by Project Proponent (PP):
The Project Proponent (PP) has submitted its reply, which is summarized as follows:
1. Status of STP and Occupancy Undertaking
• The PP has undertaken to complete the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) within 3–4 months prior to occupancy of the residential units.
• It has been stated that the houses currently under construction are at a mid-stage of development and will require approximately 4–5 months for completion.
• The PP has categorically undertaken that no residential unit under construction will be permitted for occupancy unless the STP is fully operational.
• The PP further stated that the STP construction work is already in progress and shall be completed by July 2026, and will be made operational immediately thereafter.
• The PP has also committed to install an STP of 720 KLD capacity based on revised calculations.
2. Water Demand, Wastewater Generation and Disposal Plan
• Total fresh water requirement: 882 KLD
• Wastewater generation (80% of fresh water): 706 KLD
• Water requirement for flushing: 314 KLD
• Water requirement for green area (8,706.20 m²) during rainy season @ 0.7 L/m²/day: 6.94 KLD
• Total proposed reuse (flushing + green area): 321 KLD
• Leftover treated effluent proposed for disposal through Karnal technology: 385 KLD, to be accommodated in 3.77 acres of land developed for the said purpose.
3. Built-up Area
• The PP has clarified that the total built-up area of the project is 1,32,810.66 m², as per the approved building plan duly certified by the approved architect.
In summary, the PP has provided undertaking regarding timely completion and commissioning of STP prior to occupancy, revised STP capacity (720 KLD), a water balance and reuse/disposal strategy, and confirmation of total built-up area as per approved plans.
Justification of Suitability of Land for Disposal through Karnal Technology
It is respectfully submitted that the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Karnal, has developed the widely recognized Karnal Technology for safe disposal and reuse of treated wastewater through land application. This method has also been adopted in the MoUD Manual for Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) as a viable decentralized disposal mechanism.
The effectiveness of this technology depends upon various site-specific factors such as age and type of plantation, climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and quality of treated effluent. The system is designed in such a manner that the applied effluent is fully utilized within 12–18 hours, thereby ensuring that no standing water remains on the trenches or land surface.
It has been established that under this technology, the permissible hydraulic loading rate varies from 0.3 to 1.0 MLD per hectare per day, depending upon site conditions and vegetative cover.
Hydraulic Loading Assessment for the Project Site
The project proposes the utilization/disposal of 385 KLD (0.385 MLD) of treated wastewater through land application based on Karnal Technology. The total area available for this purpose is 3.77 acres (1.525 hectares).
Accordingly, the hydraulic assimilation capacity of the available land is as follows:
• Minimum permissible capacity (0.3 MLD/ha):
1.525 × 0.3 = 0.4575 MLD (457.5 KLD)
• Maximum permissible capacity (1.0 MLD/ha):
1.525 × 1.0 = 1.525 MLD (1525 KLD)
Site-Specific Considerations
The project site at Gidderbaha, Sri Muktsar Sahib predominantly comprises alluvial soils with sandy loam to loamy texture, which are generally favorable for infiltration, percolation, and agro-forestry uptake. However, considering seasonal variations in groundwater table and the need for environmental safety, a conservative approach to hydraulic loading is advisable.
Conclusion
In view of the above, the proposed disposal of 385 KLD (0.385 MLD) of treated wastewater is well within the assimilative capacity of the available 1.525 hectares of land developed for plantation under Karnal Technology.
The available land provides a sufficient safety margin even under conservative loading conditions. With proper plantation density, regulated irrigation scheduling, and maintenance of soil permeability, the system is expected to function in an environmentally sustainable manner without causing waterlogging, groundwater contamination, or hydraulic overloading.
Accordingly, the proposed land application system is technically feasible, environmentally sound, and compliant with established Karnal Technology norms.
In view of the above facts, the NOC for extension in Consent to Establish be granted to PP for development of a residential colony comprising 303 residential plots, one club house, one mandir, and one school, strictly as per the approved layout plan submitted by the project proponent, subject to the following conditions:
1. Validity of Submitted Information
If any document submitted by the project proponent is found to be forged, incorrect, or misleading at any stage, the Consent to Establish shall be liable to be cancelled forthwith. The Board shall not be responsible for any expenditure incurred by the project proponent.
2. Adherence to Approved Layout
The project proponent shall strictly adhere to the approved layout plan and shall not alter the land use, number of plots/units, built-up area, or project configuration without prior approval of the Punjab Pollution Control Board. The project proponent shall also comply with the provisions of the Master Plan of the area.
3. Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)
The project proponent shall install and commission a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) of adequate capacity (720 KLD or as required) prior to occupation, allotment, registration, or operation of any part of the project. The STP shall be operated and maintained continuously to ensure compliance with prescribed discharge standards at all times.
4. Sewerage Network
The internal sewerage network shall be fully laid, tested, and connected to a functional STP prior to occupation or operation of any unit within the project.
5. Reuse of Treated Wastewater
The project proponent shall ensure maximum reuse of treated wastewater within the premises through a dual plumbing system for flushing and green area development. Freshwater shall not be used for horticulture or landscaping purposes.
6. Karnal Technology / Plantation Disposal
The project proponent shall utilize approximately 321 KLD of treated wastewater for flushing and green area development, and the remaining 385 KLD shall be utilized for plantation through Karnal Technology over a designated 3.77 acres plantation area.
No treated or untreated wastewater shall be discharged outside the project premises without prior permission of the Board. The said 3.77 acres shall be permanently earmarked for plantation under Karnal Technology and shall not be used for any other purpose. The PP shall ensure that the land earmarked for effluent disposal remains legally owned, unencumbered, and continuously available for the entire operational life of the project. Any change in land use, ownership, or disposal arrangement shall require prior approval of the competent authority
7 . Hydraulic Loading and Environmental Safety
• The PP shall strictly adhere to hydraulic loading norms prescribed under Karnal Technology (0.3–1.0 MLD/ha/day).
• Proper plantation density, soil permeability maintenance, and regulated irrigation scheduling shall be ensured to avoid:
o Water stagnation
o Groundwater contamination
o Soil saturation or hydraulic overloading
8. Groundwater Extraction
The project proponent shall not extract or utilize groundwater for any purpose without obtaining prior permission/NOC from the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA) or any other competent authority, as applicable.
9. Water and Wastewater Monitoring
The project proponent shall install electromagnetic flow meters at the fresh water inlet, STP inlet, STP outlet, and treated water reuse lines. Monthly records of water consumption, wastewater generation, and treated wastewater reuse shall be maintained and submitted to the Board as and when required.
10.. Environmental Clearance (EC)
The project proponent shall obtain clarification regarding applicability or non-applicability of Environmental Clearance (EC) from SEIAA/MoEF&CC, particularly for projects having built-up area (FAR-based) between 20,000 sqm and 1,50,000 sqm.
No construction activity shall be undertaken without obtaining EC, wherever applicable. If the project proponent proceeds without obtaining such clearance, it shall be entirely at its own risk and cost, and the Board shall not be responsible for any consequences.
In case the built-up area exceeds the threshold prescribed under the EIA Notification dated 14.09.2006 (as amended), prior Environmental Clearance shall be mandatory before undertaking further construction.
11. Consent to Operate (CTO)
The project proponent shall obtain Consent to Operate under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 prior to occupation or operation of the project or any part thereof.
12. Monitoring Facilities
Adequate sampling and monitoring arrangements shall be provided at the STP outlet. Online monitoring systems shall be installed and connected to the Board’s server, as per applicable directions.
13. Solid Waste Management
Municipal solid waste shall be managed in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and applicable provisions for Bulk Waste Generators under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 (as applicable from 01.04.2026).
The project proponent shall install in-house composting/vermi-composting facilities for biodegradable waste. No waste shall be dumped, burnt, or disposed of in open areas, drains, or water bodies.
14. Green Belt Development
The project proponent shall develop and maintain adequate green belt/plantation areas using treated wastewater only, and ensure proper landscaping within the project premises.
15. Construction Phase Measures
During construction, the project proponent shall implement dust suppression measures, covering of construction material, proper handling of construction and demolition waste, and provision of adequate sanitation facilities for labourers.
16. Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER)
The project proponent shall undertake Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) activities, including environmental awareness programs and promotion of sustainable environmental practices within and around the project area.
17. Ban on Single-Use Plastics
The project proponent shall strictly prohibit the use of single-use plastic and thermocol items, including plastic bottles, cups, plates, cutlery, straws, and decorative materials made of non-biodegradable substances, in accordance with applicable environmental regulations.
18. Rainwater Harvesting
The project proponent shall provide adequate rainwater harvesting structures and an efficient storm water drainage system to ensure groundwater recharge and prevent mixing of storm water with sewage.
19. Statutory Compliance
This Consent to Establish (NOC) is issued from the pollution control angle only. The project proponent shall obtain all other statutory approvals, permissions, and clearances from concerned departments/authorities as required under applicable laws.
20 . Documentation and Technical Compliance
• The PP shall ensure that all design calculations, hydraulic loading assumptions, and built-up area certifications are kept updated and available for inspection.
• Any discrepancy found in submitted data may lead to revocation of NOC extension without further notice
CC :CEE
|
