Fishponds to test pollution in Himachal

Shimla -- Himachal Pradesh has hit upon a novel idea to keep its rivers pollution-free. Industrial units will have to release wastewater first into fishponds. If the fish survive, only then can the water reach the river.

The experiment will first begin in the twin industrial towns of Baddi and Barotiwala, and it is aimed at protecting the Sarsa river.

The state pollution control board has decided to get tough with industrialists accused of allowing untreated factory waste into the Sarsa, killing fish and other aquatic life.

The water of the river is said to have become unfit even for cattle consumption and not suitable for irrigation downstream.

"It will now be compulsory for all industrial units to treat their factory waste and build a fish pond to test the treatment of the outgoing water," said S.P. Vasudeva, member secretary of the Himachal Pradesh pollution control board.

"With this, industrialists will know if their waste treatment plant is effective or not," he said.

Only a handful of companies have set up these ponds, but an awareness drive is on so that everyone builds them.

Baddi and Barotiwala are located some 120 km from here and are among the fastest growing industrial clusters in northern India.

The growth has been particularly rapid since the central government announced a tax holiday almost four years ago to set up units in the hill state.

Baddi and Barotiwala have attracted the bulk of the Rs.220 billion of proposed investments from industrial houses all over the country. The money flow rush has led to environment hazards.