Just over a month after instructing the state of Punjab to deposit Rs 12 crore as security for implementing recommendations from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a warning of an additional penalty of Rs 1 crore per day for any further delays. This warning was made by Justice Vinod S. Bhardwaj, who set a two-day deadline for the deposit in a case related to the operation and maintenance of sewage treatment plants (STPs).

“The primary concern before this court is to prevent further environmental degradation caused by untreated sewage being discharged in open areas, especially near schools and other significant locations,” Justice Bhardwaj stated.

The court also expressed dissatisfaction with a status report submitted by IAS officer and Administrative Secretary of the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat, Dilraj Singh, on behalf of the state. The report was described as “just another memorandum,” lacking specific timelines and a genuine commitment to resolving the issue.

“The report is prima facie eyewash and does not meet the court's expectations at this stage. A comprehensive report detailing the measures taken by the state of Punjab to address this issue must be submitted before the next hearing,” Justice Bhardwaj emphasized.

The case was initially brought to the court's attention due to the discharge of untreated sewage/sludge near a school in a village. During the hearing, Justice Bhardwaj noted that a more significant issue had been raised by senior counsel representing the petitioners: a substantial shortfall in the number of STPs required to manage the total effluent discharge in both municipal and rural areas of Punjab.