Ministry Warns Industries Over River Pollution

Kathmandu. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies has expressed serious concern over industries operating in the Sirsiya River corridor discharging wastewater directly into the river against standards, causing pollution.

Issuing a statement, the ministry stated that it has issued such a warning due to complaints and grievances received through various channels regarding the discharge of untreated wastewater into rivers and streams from industries in that area, and also reported in the media.

As per the prevailing industrial and environmental laws, it is mandatory for industries to install and operate a 'wastewater treatment system' for the management of pollution and wastewater generated from their production processes when registering industries, increasing capacity, or approving environmental study reports.

The ministry has directed industries to effectively implement the pollution reduction measures mentioned in the approved environmental study reports and to discharge wastewater only in accordance with the standards set by the Government of Nepal.

The ministry believes that polluting rivers and streams is a serious issue from the perspective of basic human health. The statement reads, 'The ministry requests all industrial establishments to operate their industries in full compliance with the prevailing industrial and environmental laws and standards.'

The statement issued by the ministry mentions that if full compliance with industrial and environmental standards is not found, strict action will be taken by the Department of Industry and other concerned bodies as per the prevailing laws.