LG reviews implementation of pollution control laws in Ladakh

Leh: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) held a meeting with Regional Director, Ladakh Pollution Control Committee (LPCC), Shri Aditya Madanpotra, at Raj Niwas to review the implementation of pollution control laws in Ladakh.

HLG inquired about the issue raised by the representatives of the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association (ALHGHA) regarding the notification issued by Ladakh Pollution Control Committee to comply with the need to install a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for commercial properties with more than 19 rooms for the registration of their hotels. He also inquired about steps that can be taken to control groundwater pollution in Ladakh without hampering the operations of the hotels.

Shri Madanpotra informed HLG about the discussion held by the Ladakh Pollution Control Committee with members of ALHGHA regarding exploring models of STPs that remain functional even in sub-zero temperatures in a cold weather area such as Ladakh. He also informed about the issue faced by the hoteliers due to the non-connectivity of their personal STPs with the main STP at Agling. He further informed that most of the hotels have constructed soak pits and septic tanks for sewage treatment.

Shri Madanpotra informed about the proposal sent to the Urban Local Bodies Department to conduct a hydrological survey to check the water depth to study the deterioration of groundwater quality due to the discharge of effluent from soak pits/ septic tanks.

HLG instructed the Regional Director of LPCC, Shri Madanpotra to adopt multifront approaches such as conducting a workshop on the functioning of soak pits, septic tanks and STPs. He also stated that the stakeholders of the ALHGHA may approach the High Court to seek relaxation in the norms issued under the directions of this Court by the Pollution Control Committee.