Farmers in the Farrukhnagar and Pataudi regions should actively participate in the government’s water conservation efforts
Gurugram : The Minister for Environment, Forest and Wildlife, and Industry and Commerce, Rao Narbir Singh said that farmers in Farrukhnagar and Pataudi regions in the district should play their important role by participating in the government’s efforts to conserve water. A plan is underway to supply treated water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to approximately 30 villages in the area for agricultural and horticultural use. He also emphasized the importance of community participation in this initiative and said that in this regard he would personally engage with local farmers next week
Speaking to media pesons after inspecting the STP channel between Gurugram and Jhajjar on Friday, Rao Narbir Singh said that the government is working to raise awareness among farmers about the declining groundwater levels and encouraging them to use treated STP water. This initiative aims to reserve canal water for the growing drinking water demands of the region.
Providing details of his inspection tour, the minister said he reviewed the STP channel from Gurugram to Jhajjar. Currently, 75 million litres per day (MLD) of treated water is being discharged into the channel from the Dhanwapur plant, which has a total capacity of 218 MLD. The channel itself has a capacity of 500 MLD. This treated water is already being utilized by farmers in the Jhajjar district for irrigation. He highlighted that, with the modern water purification technologies, STP-treated water is now safe and effective for agricultural use. Utilizing this water can help curb the depletion of groundwater and provide farmers with a reliable alternative for irrigation. He added that relevant departments have been directed to raise awareness among farmers regarding the use of treated water and to offer necessary technical support. The government’s broader goal, he said, is to enhance agricultural productivity while preserving the environment and conserving vital water resources.
Builders must use only STP-Treated Water for Construction; Strict action for violations: Rao Narbir Singh
Minister Rao Narbir Singh has directed the Haryana State Pollution Control Board to strictly enforce the use of treated water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in all construction activities. He emphasized that the use of groundwater for construction is a significant contributor to the region’s water crisis, and curbing it is essential for sustainable water management. The use of STP-treated water in construction must be mandatory. Officials have been instructed to take immediate and strict action against any builder or construction agency found violating this directive.
STPs installed at project sites to be inspected; Non-Compliance to Invite Penalty
Rao Narbir Singh further said that the government is committed to environmental protection and water conservation. In line with this, he has ordered thorough inspections of STPs installed by builders within their project sites.“It has come to our attention that several builders have installed STPs but are not maintaining them adequately,” he said. “I have directed officials to inspect these facilities and, if deficiencies are found, issue challans in accordance with environmental regulations.”
Centre serious on pollution issue, Haryana to ensure only treated water is discharged into Yamuna
Rao Narbir Singh said that the state government will fully support the central government’s mission to clean the Yamuna River. Speaking on the issue, the minister said that the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, is deeply committed to pollution control and has set an ambitious target to clean the Yamuna within the next five years.
“The central government is serious about pollution and has directed all states to take concrete measures to protect and clean the country’s rivers,” Rao stated. “The Haryana government will work shoulder to shoulder with the Centre in this national mission and ensure that only treated water is discharged into the Yamuna.”
The minister added that the Haryana State Pollution Control Board has been directed to regularly monitor water bodies and swiftly address any identified sources of pollution. To reinforce these efforts, he will personally inspect the Badshahpur drain in Gurugram next week.
Two new STPs of 100 MLD each will be set up by 2028
Highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance urban wastewater management, Rao Narbir Singh said that two new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), each with a capacity of 100 MLD, will be established in Bahrampur by 2028. Currently, three STPs with a combined capacity of 218 MLD are operational in Dhanwapur, and two STPs with a total capacity of 170 MLD are functioning in Bahrampur. The addition of the two new facilities will significantly boost the state’s ability to treat wastewater effectively. These new STPs will not only improve the purification of urban wastewater but also serve as a significant step forward in the protection of our water resources and the environment, the minister said.