STP Paonta Sahib Zone II - Non-Operational Wastewater Treatment Plant in Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh

STP Paonta Sahib Zone II is a wastewater treatment plant located in Paonta Sahib, in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The plant was designed to serve a population of 6,681, placing it in the small agglomeration category under Indian urban wastewater management norms. Although the plant is currently non-operational, Indian wastewater treatment regulations for small towns typically require secondary treatment before discharge. Standard practice for similar facilities in Himachal Pradesh involves biological treatment systems such as activated sludge or sequencing batch reactors. The plant is situated inland, more than 50 km from the coast, and its treated effluent would likely discharge into local streams that feed into the Yamuna River basin. The Yamuna River is a major tributary of the Ganges, supporting diverse aquatic life and providing water for irrigation and domestic use downstream.

The plant is located in the Yamuna River basin, with potential discharge into local tributaries that flow into the Yamuna. The Yamuna River is a critical water source for northern India, supporting agriculture, drinking water, and ecosystems. Downstream, the river joins the Ganges, which ultimately drains into the Bay of Bengal. The region's aquatic habitats are sensitive to pollution, making proper wastewater treatment essential for maintaining water quality and biodiversity.