Namami Gange Mission Has Provided Fresh Momentum To Ganga Conservation Efforts In Varanasi

BY RATNESH RAI

The Namami Gange Mission, spearheaded by the Government of India, is making significant strides in conserving and revitalizing the Ganga River, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. These efforts are aimed at improving the water quality, ensuring the river’s cleanliness, and restoring its ecosystem. Here’s a detailed look at the ongoing initiatives and their impacts:

Key Achievements and Projects:

Infrastructure Development:

Sewerage Systems: Several sewage treatment plants (STPs) have been established and upgraded in Varanasi. These include:

• Dinapur STP: 140 MLD capacity
• Ramna STP: 50 MLD capacity
• Ramnagar STP: 10 MLD capacity
• Old Dinapur STP: 80 MLD capacity
• Bhagwanpur STP: 9.8 MLD capacity
• A new 55 MLD STP in Bhagwanpur has been approved.
• Advanced Oxidation Process STP of 30 MLD capacity in Nagwa is operational.

Drain Management:

• 22 out of 23 drains on the left side of the Ganga in Varanasi have been completely tapped; the Nakkhi drain is partially tapped.
• The Assi drain’s 50 MLD wastewater is treated at the Ramna STP, with the remaining 20 MLD being purified through advanced oxidation processes.
• On the Ganga’s right bank, five drains have been tapped and diverted to the 10 MLD STP in Ramnagar.
• In the Sujabad area, a 7 MLD STP under Amrit 2.0 is being developed.
• More than half of the drains flowing into the Varuna River have been tapped, with plans to address the remaining drains through the Goithaha STP.

Water Quality Improvement:

• The Central Pollution Control Board reports consistent improvements in Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Faecal Coliform (FC) levels.

Biodiversity Restoration:

• There has been a notable increase in species populations, including Gangetic dolphins, otters, and turtles.

Rehabilitation and Upgrades:

• Ongoing projects include the development of interception sewers, trunk sewers, rising mains for the Assi and Varuna rivers, and the creation of three sewage pumping stations.
• Rehabilitation of the old trunk sewer and upgrading of existing STPs at Dinapur and Bhagwanpur.
• These projects, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), are estimated to cost Rs. 660 crore.

Additional Initiatives:

• Ghat and Pond Maintenance:
• Cleaning and maintenance of 84 ghats in Varanasi.
• Repair of 26 ghats and revival of eight ponds.
• River surface cleaning with mechanical trash skimmers.

Ganga Task Force:

• A battalion of ex-servicemen engaged in activities such as plantation, monitoring, and awareness campaigns along the river ghats.

Community Engagement (Jan Bhagidari):

• Transforming the Namami Gange Mission into a mass movement involves collaborations with organizations like Gangadoot, Ganga Prahari, and Ganga Vichar Manch.
  Regular events and programs, including Ganga Swachhata Pakhwada, Ganga Utsav, and Yoga on Ghat, are conducted in collaboration with the District Ganga Committee to raise public awareness.

The Namami Gange Mission’s multi-faceted approach is contributing significantly to the revitalization of the Ganga River, improving its water quality, restoring biodiversity, and fostering community involvement. These efforts are crucial for ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of this vital river.