STP Kangra zone I - Non-Operational Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kachhiari, Himachal Pradesh

STP Kangra zone I is a wastewater treatment plant located in Kachhiari, a locality in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The plant was designed to serve a population of 11,224, reflecting its role in managing domestic wastewater for a medium-sized agglomeration in the region. The facility is currently non-operational, which may impact local wastewater management. In India, wastewater treatment plants are regulated under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986. For plants serving populations around 10,000, secondary treatment is typically required to meet discharge standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Standard practices for such facilities include biological treatment followed by disinfection. The plant is located inland, over 50 km from the coast, and discharges into local water bodies that ultimately drain into the Beas River basin. The Beas River is a major tributary of the Indus River system, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for irrigation and drinking. The non-operational status of the plant may pose risks to local water quality and downstream ecosystems.

The plant is situated in the Kangra Valley, part of the Beas River basin. The Beas River flows through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab before joining the Sutlej River in Pakistan. The river supports a rich biodiversity, including several fish species and migratory birds. The non-operational status of the plant could lead to untreated wastewater entering local streams, affecting water quality and aquatic habitats in the downstream reaches.