Department directs industries not to release wastewater directly into rivers

The Department of Industry has directed industries across the country not to release untreated wastewater directly into rivers and streams.

The department issued the notice on Friday after local residents complained that polluted water discharged by industries around the Sirsiya river in the Birgunj–Pathalaiya corridor was making it difficult to celebrate Deepawali and Chhath.

According to the department, complaints have been received alleging that industries have been increasing pollution by discharging wastewater into streams in violation of standards.

The notice states that only water treated to meet environmental standards should be released. The department has also asked industries to cooperate by releasing clean water into rivers during the festival season.

The department said joint monitoring and inspection will be carried out to check whether the directive is being followed.