Uttarakhand’s Ganga cleanup progresses, but challenges remain: CPCB

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) continues efforts to clean the River Ganga, focusing on Uttarakhand. A report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveals progress and persistent challenges in the state's sewage management and water quality.

The report, submitted in response to an NGT order dated September 13, 2024, highlights the monitoring of 176 drains discharging into the Ganga and its tributaries in Uttarakhand during the post-monsoon season of 2023. While 113 of these drains were connected to sewage treatment plants (STPs), a significant BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) load was observed in the Rispana drain, discharging into the Song River, indicating untreated organic matter, a major contributor to water pollution.

CPCB and Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board monitored 176 drains discharging directly into River Ganga and its tributaries (151) Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Mandakini, Pindar, Nandakini, Ramganga (18), Suswa (2), Song (3), Banganga and Sukhi (2) in Uttarakhand during post-monsoon 2023. These drains carry wastewater comprising sewage and industrial effluent.

Uttarakhand has 53 STPs in 19 Ganga-front towns. CPCB monitoring from April-July 2024 found 50 operational STPs, with 2 complying and 48 non-complying with NGT norms. Only 9 STPs complied with the MoEF&CC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) discharge norms. This discrepancy highlights the need for stricter regulations and improved STP performance.

The report reveals that 32 STPs operate below their designed capacity, while 6 operate above. This indicates a mismatch between infrastructure and actual sewage generation, requiring adjustments in capacity planning and management.

Despite these challenges, the report offers a positive note on water quality. Based on median values from January to July 2024, the entire Ganga stretch in Uttarakhand meets primary water quality criteria for pH, DO (dissolved Oxygen), BOD, FC (Faecal Coliforms), and FS (Faecal Streptococci).

The NGT is still concerned about the insufficient data that various Jharkhand districts have provided, which emphasizes the need for thorough data collection. The Tribunal directed the NMCG (National Mission for Clean Ganga) to report on preventing untreated sewage from entering the Ganga and its tributaries.

The NGT has outlined a detailed format for district-wise sewage management information, including drains, septage management, industrial pollution control, and water quality. This approach aims to address Ganga pollution challenges and ensure effective implementation of the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.

While Uttarakhand has improved sewage treatment and water quality, the NGT's scrutiny and need for comprehensive data underscore ongoing challenges in achieving a clean Ganga. The Ganga rejuvenation project's success hinges on collaboration among stakeholders, including state governments, local authorities, and the NMCG, to ensure effective regulation implementation and sustainable management.

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