Page 9 - Patrika 44-Apr-Jun-26 - Sep-1.cdr

Uttarakhand: Sustaining a
Pollution-Free Main Stem
A key highlight of the review
was Uttarakhand’s
achievement of having no
polluted stretch on the main
stem of the Ganga, as reported
by the Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB). This
milestone reects sustained
efforts under Namami Gange
to strengthen sewage
management systems and
protect the river in its upper Uttar Pradesh: Expanding these initiatives are signi-
reaches. Infrastructure at Scale cantly enhancing the state's
The state currently operates In Uttar Pradesh, where the capacity to manage
70 Sewage Treatment Plants Ganga traverses a vast and wastewater and reduce pollu-
(STPs), most of which are densely populated landscape, tion loads entering the Ganga.
functioning in compliance the review highlighted the The review focused on key
with prescribed scale and impact of interven- urban centres such as
environmental standards. To tions being undertaken across Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi,
address future requirements 75 districts, including 27
Meerut, and Ghazipur, where
and support growing urban districts located along the
centres, 33 additional STPs main stem of the river. ongoing projects are address-
ing critical challenges related
are under construction. These The state has made substan-
projects are expected to tial progress in developing to drain management, sewage
further strengthen sewage treatment infrastruc- treatment, and river water
wastewater management and ture, with more than 150 STPs quality. The tapping and
ensure that untreated sewage already operational. Several treatment of drains carrying
does not enter the river additional projects are under wastewater into the river
system. implementation, while new remain central to ensuring
Special attention was given to that the gains achieved under
facilities are progressing
important riverine towns
through the tendering and Namami Gange are sustained
including Haridwar, construction stages. Together, over the long term.
Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Tehri,
and Chamoli. Discussions
focused on enhancing sewage
treatment capacities, bridging
infrastructure gaps, and
ensuring the long-term
sustainability of ongoing
interventions. These efforts
are critical to preserving the
pristine character of the
Ganga in its source state while
supporting sustainable urban
growth.

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