Assam refinery discharging effluents in Brahmaputra tributary: Green activist
The Hindu
Environmental activist raises concerns over hazardous effluent discharge from Assam refinery, threatening Brahmaputra River ecosystem.
GUWAHATI
A refinery in eastern Assam’s Golaghat district has been discharging hazardous effluents into a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, endangering its fragile aquatic ecosystem, an environmental activist said.
In a letter to the Member-Secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on April 2, Golaghat town-based Apurba Ballav Goswami sought a probe into the effluent treatment practices of the Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) and its compliance with the board’s updated pollution standards.
He appended a report by a private biosciences laboratory analysing a water sample reportedly collected from the NRL’s effluent treatment plant on March 11.
“The results reveal an exceedance of CPCB effluent discharge standards for petroleum oil refineries under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, and subsequent guidelines, with severe implications for aquatic life and the long-term health of the Dhansiri River,” the letter read.
Mr. Goswami said the analysis highlighted violations such as 18.0 mg/litre of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 142.0 mg/litre of chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 11.5 mg/litre of oil and grease. The CPCB limits are 15 mg/litre, 125.0 mg/litre, and 10 mg/litre, respectively.
He said the readings signal a potential pattern of pollution that threatens the Dhansiri River’s biodiversity and the communities that depend on it.
At PV Cherian Crescent Road, which derives its quietude in no small measure from the trees lining it, the axe struck twice last week, the first time on December 7, reducing one massive tree to a stump. According to a resident who wants to stay anonymous, when the workers were questioned about it, pat came the reply that the Corporation had ordered the hand that wielded the axe. With that explanation, residents who were disturbed by the cutting of the tree assumed there should be a justification for the act and let the matter rest. On December 12, the axe struck again, the Avenue’s arboreal wealth down by one more tree.
The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on December 14, 2025.
A few simple cell traits in mangroves are critical to tolerating them saltwater.
Madras HC emphasizes ongoing 'honour' killings in India, dismissing bail for accused father amid constitutional rights violations.
Raj Thackeray criticizes CM Fadnavis for rising child abductions in Maharashtra, urging action against gangs targeting young children.
Tamil Nadu parties strategize for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, with DMK targeting 2.5 crore votes amid shifting alliances.
Join Mukti's musical evening, 'Udaan Utsav', to support persons with disabilities and raise funds for vital medical aid.
Karnataka's transmen cricket team gears up for its historic national debut against Maharashtra on December 15 in Punjab.
BJP-led NDA secures 21 seats in Thripunithura, dislodging UDF and challenging LDF's long-standing dominance in the municipality.
Minister Kondapalli Srinivas praises Andhra Pradesh's industrial policy at Business Expo 2025, highlighting opportunities in agriculture and innovation.
Nine months into the ‘Shishtachar’ (discipline/etiquette) drive, Delhi Police officers say the squads have offered more than an on-ground deterrence against harassment of women in public spaces. The steady presence of these teams on the streets, the officers claim, has revealed patterns of everyday misconduct, helped map pockets where offenders gather, enhanced visibility among women, and strengthened the feedback loop, which in turn has improved policing of such offences. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer Delhi) Sachin Sharma said the squads have detained 2,885 offenders over the past nine months and recorded a 45% decline in crimes against women, including cases of rape, molestation and harassment. “Overall, such cases have fallen sharply from 302 in 2024 to 165 in 2025 (till December 10),” he said. DCP (West) Darade Sharad Bhaskar reported similar numbers. “In nine months, we have detained over 2,500 offenders under various sections. The help and perspective we have received through the initiative has improved our approach. We have decided to introduce these squads to each police station in our district,” he said.
Education Minister Ashish Sood criticizes AAP's education reforms, citing data on 3.2 lakh Class 9 student failures in Delhi.
T.N. government seeks Centre's approval for six new medical colleges in newly formed districts, Health Minister confirms ongoing discussions.