Against norm,IGI pumps out groundwater,pumps in waste without treatment,says environment panel

The DPCC had instructed DIAL in a meeting held on January 28 to treat wastewater and then use it in bathrooms,horticulture,and in cooling towers. The airport operator was also instructed to obtain groundwater withdrawal permission. DIAL,though,is yet to comply,members of the Airport Environment Management Committee (AEMC) said.

DIAL spokesperson Arun Arora said: “We are dependant on groundwater since the airport does not get any municipal water supply. We have permission for some borewells. We are seeking permission for the rest.”

But AEMC officials said DIAL is partially treating wastewater before dumping it in drains.

AEMC chairperson J K Dadoo said: “DIAL has been warned that it has to treat all its water and then reuse it. This will significantly reduce dependence on fresh water. Permission is also required for groundwater withdrawal.”

DIAL,Dadoo said,also needs to set up “proper” rainwater harvesting systems.

Experts said when all wings of the airport are fully operational,the projected water use will shoot up significantly: at least 10,000 KLD groundwater,and another 3,000 KLD expected from municipal supply as per DIAL’s own estimates.

As per water-use norms,large establishments using groundwater are to recycle their water and set up rainwater harvesting units once they become operational.

DIAL’s Arora said the airport operators are “working” on water reuse norms. “We are in the process of setting up an advanced sewage treatment and water recycling plant that will be able to treat 13 million litres per day,” he said. “The water then will be reused for construction,horticulture and toilet cleaning.”

He added,“We expect to have zero water discharge by 2010.”

According to officials,other large establishments like Centaur Hotel,and different catering services discharge 949 KLD into sewers each day. Arora said,“We have communicated to these establishments to also abide by water norms.”