The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) has issued a show-cause notice to the General Manager of the District Industries Centre (DIC), Mandi, following allegations of severe pollution and large-scale fish mortality in the Ratti water stream in Balh subdivision.
The action comes after a complaint lodged by a local resident of Ratti on Friday, alleging heavy accumulation of slurry and mass fish deaths in the stream near the local police station.
Acting on the complaint, a joint inspection was carried out by officials of the Pollution Control Board, Fisheries Department, Industries Department, Panchayat representatives and local residents. During the inspection, villagers informed the team that fish mortality had occurred two to three days earlier and dead fish had been seen floating near Ratti Bridge.
Officials subsequently inspected the nearby industrial area to trace the source of contamination. The inspection revealed that a sewage collection chamber connected to a septic tank was overflowing. The pipeline linking the chamber to the septic tank was found damaged, resulting in the discharge of untreated sewage directly into the Ratti water stream. Stagnant sewage water was also observed at several points in the stream.
Water samples were collected from upstream and downstream locations and sent for laboratory analysis to ascertain the extent of contamination and its possible link to the fish deaths.
In the notice issued by Regional Officer Vinay Kumar, the HPSPCB said the discharge of untreated sewage into a natural water body constitutes a serious violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The board directed the DIC to immediately stop the discharge, ensure proper treatment and disposal of sewage from the industrial area and submit a satisfactory reply within three days. The notice warned that failure to comply could invite regulatory and penal action, including environmental compensation based on the “Polluter Pays Principle” upheld by the National Green Tribunal.
Neetu Singh, Assistant Director, Fisheries Department, Mandi, said a large number of fish were found dead in the affected stretch and the deaths appeared to be linked to polluted water. The laboratory report is awaited.
Narender Saini, president of Dev Bhumi Paryavaran Rakshak Manch, termed the incident unfortunate and demanded strict action against those responsible. He said the fish breeding season is set to begin on June 15 and the death of multiple fish species could cause significant ecological damage to the area.
