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Meghalaya High Court · body

2019 DIGILAW 13 (MEG)

Court On Its Own Motion v. State of Meghalaya

2019-02-11

H.S.THANGKHIEW, MOHAMMAD YAQOOB MIR

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JUDGMENT : 1. An affidavit filed by the Chief Engineer, PHED, Meghalaya dated 17.12.2018 is suggestive of the fact that in terms of order dated 27.11.2018, the Chief Engineer was required to file the latest status regarding implementation of the Expert Committee recommendations, same are quoted as under: "(a)The Authority responsible for the treatment of water at the Water Treatment Plant, Mawphlang should optimize the chemical dosing of aluminium sulphate and hydrated lime, regulate the pH level of water during coagulation process and ensure efficient filtration throughout the water treatment process. (b) The Authority responsible for the treatment of water should ensure constant monitoring of the quality of raw water as the dosages of chemicals used in the treatment process vary according to the turbidity level, pH value and other related parameters of raw water; it should also ensure constant monitoring of the pH level of water during coagulation to achieve maximum flocculation and minimum release of residual aluminium. (c) The Authority responsible for the treatment of water should avoid using of chemicals in excess of the required dosage and should strictly follow the prescribed procedures and practices in estimating the correct dosage of chemicals and the methods to use them; (d) a substitute coagulant chemical known as Poly aluminium chloride may be used on trial basis, in place of aluminium 3 sulphate to tackle higher level of turbidity and minimize the yield of residual aluminium; (e) The Officers and staff involved in the operation of Water Treatment Plants should have suitable/desirable qualifications and adequate knowledge and experience in the field of water treatment; (f) To ensure long term solution to the water quality problem, some appropriate and effective measures need to be taken to reduce the turbidity level of raw water in the river source." 2. The status report regarding implementation of the recommendations of the Expert Committee as annexed reveal that the recommendations (a), (b) and (c) have been implemented whereas, recommendation (d) can be implemented later during the coming monsoon season when the turbidity of water is very high. Explaning the implementation of recommendation (a) it has been made clear that the Electrical Division Mawphlang has taken steps to optimise the dosage of chemicals viz. Explaning the implementation of recommendation (a) it has been made clear that the Electrical Division Mawphlang has taken steps to optimise the dosage of chemicals viz. Aluminium sulphate and hydrated lime by the help of a jar test performed in the Treatment Plant Laboratory as a result, an efficient and effective filtration of water is being maintained by replenishing the fine sand particles of the filter beds which are washed by filters. 3. Regarding recommendation (b), appropriate measures have been taken to regulate the pH Value of water in the flocculation zone, by keeping it in the range of 6.5 7.5 ensuring maximum flocculation and flocs settlement. 4. Regarding recommendation (c), measures have been taken to ensure that doses of chemicals are added according to the findings of the jar tests and turbidity level of raw water at any point of time. 5. Regarding recommendation (d), it has been made clear that the turbidity level of raw water during winter season is much lower and does not suit the application and use of Poly Aluminium Chloride (PAC) for coagulation. The Electrical Division Mawphlang intends to use on trial basis Poly Aluminium Chloride in place of Aluminium Sulphate during the coming monsoon season when the turbidity level of raw water is more than 150 NTU. 6. While implementing recommendation (a), (b) and (c) it is reported that there is substantial improvements in the quality of treated water and there has been no reports about greasy or oily film on the water surface since mid November, which has also led to a decrease in the doses of chemicals added during treatment. Same has brought down the concentration of residual aluminium above the permissible limit of 0.2 mg/l. 7. The respondent Chief Engineer has also expressed a genuine fear to the fact that when the monsoon season sets in, the turbidity of raw water will shoot up again to an extent that may necessitate the application of higher doses of chemicals with resultant adverse effects. Therefore, in order to achieve a long term solution to the water quality problem, it is necessary that recommendations (e) and (f) and most importantly (f) are implemented sooner than later, same is beyond the control of Electrical Division Mawphlang. Therefore, in order to achieve a long term solution to the water quality problem, it is necessary that recommendations (e) and (f) and most importantly (f) are implemented sooner than later, same is beyond the control of Electrical Division Mawphlang. Therefore, Chief Engineer, PHE has requested the Expert Committee to provide specific and further details with regard to recommendations (e) and (f) for necessary action, the Expert Committee will meet shortly after inspection of the main catchment areas of the river source (Umiew River) and the Water Treatment Plant at Mawphlang. 8. It was pointed out by the learned Addl.AG as to whether the Expert Committee have met after 27.12.2018, he wants to have instructions. About the meeting of the Expert Committee, recommendation of the Expert Committee regarding specifics and other further details, the matter is taken up with the concerned authorities whose particulars shall be furnished during the next latest report. In addition thereto, clear status report regarding implementation of recommendations (e) and (f) shall be filed on priority basis so that the various measures so far taken while implementing recommendations (a), (b) and (c) which according to the report have shown progressive results. Regarding recommendations (e) and (f) what has been done for implementation, report be filed. 9. In response to status report on implementation of water supply in Lumkartic-Harisabha area of Laban, learned counsel for the SMB (Shillong Municipal Board) states that the requisite technical data has been prepared even steps for procuring of pipes has also been finalized and the issue has been re-checked, he wants to file a detailed affidavit within two weeks, granted. 10. The copy of an affidavit as filed by the Chief Engineer, PHED along with two status reports be furnished to Mr. K. Ch. Gautam learned counsel representing in PIL No. 12 of 2017. 11. List again after two weeks along with PIL No. 12 of 2017.