The Ministry of Jal Shakti has announced that the executive committee of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has given its approval to seven projects worth ₹692 crore. The focus of these projects is on sewage management in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, aiming to safeguard the purity of River Ganga.
One of the key projects is the creation of a 100 million litres per day (MLD) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. This project, implemented under the hybrid annuity mode (HAM), includes interception and diversion (I&D) works, which will significantly contribute to reducing sewage discharge into the river.
In addition, the committee has approved the I&D of the remaining discharge from Dariyabad Pipalghat and Dariyabad Kakahraghat drains. Furthermore, a 50 MLD STP will be constructed in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to enhance the treatment capacity of Naini STP. This initiative is expected to further improve the quality of water flowing into River Ganga from these regions.
Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, will also benefit from a 6 MLD STP project, along with I&D and other works. This project is vital in preventing the flow of Hapur city drain into River Kali, a tributary of River Ganga, thereby safeguarding the overall health of the river ecosystem.
Addressing the issue of pollution originating from Nepal and entering Bihar at Raxaul, two STPs with capacities of 5 and 7 MLDs will be set up. These STPs, estimated to cost ₹74.64 crore, will help in treating the Pipra ghat drain and Chhatiya ghat drain in Raxaul town, Bihar. By tackling pollution at its source, the NMCG aims to improve the water quality of the Sirsiya River, a significant tributary of River Ganga.
These projects represent a crucial step in NMCG’s continuous efforts to combat water pollution and ensure a clean Ganga. With these recent approvals, NMCG has now sanctioned a total of 452 projects, valued at approximately ₹38,126 crore. Impressively, 254 of these projects have already been successfully completed, showcasing the commitment and dedication of NMCG in its mission to protect and preserve the invaluable water resource of River Ganga.
As the NMCG continues its initiatives to tackle water pollution and improve sewage management, it reaffirms its dedication to ensuring the well-being of millions of people who depend on the sacred River Ganga for their livelihoods and daily needs.