WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: The water quality of Sindh Nallah has deteriorated at three locations in Kangan and Sonamarg due to the discharge of untreated sewage through drains, according to a fresh report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) before the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The CPCB report, filed in compliance with the NGT’s directions in the case concerning pollution of Sindh Nallah and its impact on trout habitat, is based on water samples collected on May 4, 2026. The CPCB collected 11 samples—seven from different locations along the Sindh Nallah and four from drains leading into it.
The report found that all seven river locations complied with the designated best-use criteria for propagation of wildlife and fisheries (Class D). However, three locations—Kangan Akhal Bridge, Shutkadi Bridge downstream of Sonamarg and Sindh Nallah at Sonamarg—failed to meet the Class B and Class C criteria because of elevated total coliform levels. Other parameters, including pH, dissolved oxygen and BOD, were within prescribed limits at these locations.
The microbiological analysis showed particularly high contamination in the drains feeding the river. CPCB recorded faecal coliform levels ranging from 2×10⁴ to 29×10⁷ MPN/100 ml and BOD levels between 6 mg/l and 118 mg/l in the four identified drains, which the report said indicated discharge of untreated sewage into the Sindh Nallah.
The highest faecal coliform concentration was recorded in the drain adjacent to Hotel Glacier/Tajwas in Sonamarg, at 29×10⁷ MPN/100 ml, while the same drain recorded total coliform of 35×10⁸ MPN/100 ml. The Kangan drain recorded faecal coliform of 61×10⁴ MPN/100 ml, while the drain near the Army Transit Camp at Sonamarg recorded 13×10⁵ MPN/100 ml.
CPCB said three locations of Sindh Nallah had total coliform levels exceeding the prescribed limits of 500 MPN/100 ml for Class B and 5,000 MPN/100 ml for Class C. It attributed the elevated total coliform levels in the river to the high faecal coliform concentrations found in the four drains.
The report also highlighted the status of the 1.2 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant at Sonamarg, stating that the facility was still under installation. Representatives of the Sonamarg Development Authority informed the CPCB team that another two months would be required to complete the installation. The authority had also not obtained the required Consent to Establish (CTE) from the J&K Pollution Control Committee.
The CPCB’s conclusion is that the water quality of Sindh Nallah has deteriorated with respect to total coliform at three locations in Kangan and Sonamarg because of untreated sewage entering the water body through drains. It has recommended that the J&K PCC direct concerned agencies to ensure treatment of sewage before discharge and undertake regular monitoring of water quality to prevent further deterioration.
The latest findings come against the backdrop of NGT proceedings initiated after a news report titled “Sindh Nallah Polluted Trout Habitat Threatened in Ganderbal”, published in Greater Kashmir on August 19, 2024. The Tribunal is examining pollution in the Sindh Nallah and its impact on trout fish farming, with the river being an important source of fresh water for trout farming in the area.
The NGT had earlier directed the CPCB to conduct fresh sampling in April, noting that the previous water-quality assessment had been based on samples collected in December 2025, when tourist influx was comparatively low. The CPCB subsequently conducted the sampling on May 4 after its planned April exercise could not be undertaken because of extensive landslides in J&K.
The matter is scheduled before the NGT on August 24, 2026.
