Barmer, March 30 -- Lok Sabha MP Ummeda Ram Beniwal has highlighted the deteriorating condition and non-functional status of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Balotra, saying that untreated sewage and industrial waste are continuously flowing into the Luni River. Speaking under Rule 377 last week in the lower House, Beniwal drew the attention of the Centre towards what he described as a "serious and alarming situation" arising from years of negligence in the operation and maintenance of the STP. Established in 2007 with a capacity of around 9 MLD to treat municipal sewage and industrial effluents, the STP has reportedly not been functioning effectively for nearly five years. "Due to continuous negligence, contaminated and chemical-laden water from the city and industrial units is being discharged without treatment into open areas, flood channels and the Luni River, creating a grave environmental crisis," Beniwal said in the House. He further emphasized that the impact of this failure is not limited to environmental degradation but is also severely affecting the lives of people in surrounding areas. Local water sources are getting polluted, soil fertility is declining, and there are increasing risks to the health of residents, livestock, and wildlife, he said. "Such prolonged inaction has not only damaged the environment but is also putting the health of people and animals at serious risk. Immediate intervention is required to restore the system and ensure accountability," he added. The MP urged the Centre to take swift and decisive action to restore the STP's functioning, ensure proper treatment of industrial discharge, and fix responsibility for the lapses. He demanded strict disciplinary action against officials guilty of negligence, stressing that accountability is essential to prevent recurrence of such failures....