Kathmandu, October 30
The Department of Industry has directed industries not to discharge untreated wastewater directly into rivers and streams.
The department issued the notice following an increase in complaints that river pollution had been causing problems for residents, particularly ahead of festivals such as Tihar and Chhath.
According to the department, it has received complaints that industries have been increasing pollution by discharging wastewater directly into rivers without treatment or in violation of prescribed standards.
The department said it was seriously concerned by reports that polluted water discharged by industries around the Sirsiya River in the Birgunj-Pathlaiya industrial corridor had made it difficult for residents to celebrate Tihar and Chhath.
In view of this, the department has urged all industries to remain particularly vigilant and help maintain river cleanliness during the festive period.
It has directed industries to ensure that only wastewater meeting the environmental standards set by the government is discharged from their facilities.
The department has also asked industries to provide clean water from their own deep borewells or other sources to help clean rivers during the festive period.
The notice states that a joint monitoring and inspection will be conducted by concerned agencies to assess whether these measures have been effectively implemented. The monitoring team will include representatives from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Department of Industry, Department of Environment, provincial industry offices, district administration offices and local governments.
Reminding industries that controlling river pollution is a shared responsibility and must be carried out within the framework of prevailing environmental laws and standards, the department has urged them to make the necessary arrangements immediately.
