Sewage Pollution Severely Degrades Ganga Water Quality in UP, Not Fit for Rituals
Sewage Pollution Severely Degrades Ganga Water Quality in UP, Not Fit for Rituals
NGT Reveals: Untreated Water from 247 Open Drains Flows into Ganga and Tributaries
In Uttar Pradesh, the quality of water in the Ganga and its tributaries is deteriorating significantly due to sewage discharge from open drains. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has highlighted that untreated or partially treated sewage is being directly discharged into the river, rendering the water unfit even for religious rituals.
The NGT has instructed the Chief Secretary of the state to submit detailed information on every open drain and sewage treatment plant (STP) across different districts. During a recent hearing, it was revealed that the water quality in the Ganga has been severely impacted due to the large amount of sewage discharge. According to reports, an estimated 3,513.16 million liters per day (MLD) of untreated sewage flows into the Ganga and its tributaries from 247 open drains in the state.
Violation of Standards
The report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) mentions that the amount of faecal coliform bacteria in the Ganga water exceeds safe limits. According to CPCB’s guidelines, the permissible limit for coliform bacteria for bathing purposes is 500/100 millilitres, but the levels recorded in some areas far exceed this limit.
Additionally, in Prayagraj, the sewage treatment plant’s capacity is 128 MLD, which falls short of the actual discharge. Untreated sewage from 25 drains flows into the Ganga and from 15 drains into the Yamuna.
No Compliance with Regulations
The NGT has noted that most of the STPs are either under construction or non-functional. As a result, the state government has been directed to expedite the functioning of these plants to stop untreated sewage from entering the Ganga and its tributaries. The NGT has asked the Chief Secretary to file an affidavit providing a district-wise plan for compliance with sewage treatment regulations.
This situation highlights the urgent need for effective sewage management to protect the water quality of the Ganga and ensure it meets the required standards for both public health and religious purposes.
