Ganga River Pollution and Sewage Management Issues

The preparations for the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj highlight a pressing environmental crisis. The Ganga river, revered by millions, is facing severe pollution due to untreated sewage. This situation poses an important threat to public health and the sanctity of the river. Recent reports indicate that Prayagraj generates more sewage than its treatment facilities can handle. This knowledgebase aims to enhance understanding of the current sewage management issues affecting the Ganga river.

Current Sewage Generation and Treatment Capacity

Prayagraj produces 468.28 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage. The existing sewage treatment capacity is only 340 MLD. Consequently, 128.28 MLD of sewage is untreated and flows directly into the Ganga. This imbalance puts stress on the urgent need for improved infrastructure.

Untreated Sewage Discharge

There are 25 drains in Prayagraj discharging untreated sewage into the Ganga. Additionally, 15 drains are releasing sewage into the Yamuna river. This rampant discharge compromises the water quality and poses health risks to pilgrims and residents alike.

Status of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)

Prayagraj has ten sewage treatment plants. However, only one meets the required treatment standards. Nine plants are operational but fail to adequately treat sewage. This situation marks the inefficiency in the existing sewage management system.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is actively monitoring the situation. Recent hearings have revealed that many STPs across Ganga districts are not compliant with water quality standards. Of the 41 planned STPs, several remain non-functional, exacerbating the pollution problem.

Faecal Coliform Standards Violation

A important number of STPs are violating faecal coliform standards. Only 12 out of 35 operational STPs comply with the permissible limits. The presence of high faecal coliform levels in treated water poses a serious health risk.

Infrastructure Challenges and Future Plans

Many STPs are operating beyond their designed capacity. The report indicates that 13 STPs exceed their intended limits. Furthermore, several plants remain non-operational despite being constructed. The NGT has called for detailed plans to address these issues.

Urgent Need for Action

The Central Pollution Control Board reports that a large number of drains remain untapped. This results in important volumes of polluted water entering the Ganga. The NGT has instructed the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary to provide a comprehensive report on the sewage situation and future plans.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically examine the impact of untreated sewage on the Ganga river ecosystem.
2. Discuss in the light of current events the role of the National Green Tribunal in environmental protection.
3. Explain the significance of faecal coliform standards in sewage treatment and its implications for public health.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges in implementing sewage treatment infrastructure in urban areas.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically examine the impact of untreated sewage on the Ganga river ecosystem.

1. Untreated sewage introduces harmful pollutants into the Ganga, affecting water quality and biodiversity.
2. High levels of nutrients from sewage can lead to algal blooms, disrupting aquatic life and oxygen levels.
3. Contaminated water poses health risks to human populations relying on the river for drinking and bathing.
4. Disruption of the river’s natural flow and sediment patterns, impacting fish spawning and habitat.
5. Long-term pollution can lead to loss of species, altering the ecosystem balance and reducing biodiversity.

2. Discuss in the light of current events the role of the National Green Tribunal in environmental protection.

1. The NGT serves as a judicial body to enforce environmental laws and address pollution issues effectively.
2. It monitors compliance of state governments with environmental regulations, as seen in the Ganga sewage case.
3. The tribunal conducts hearings and demands accountability regarding infrastructure and pollution control measures.
4. It plays important role in raising public awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.
5. NGT’s directives can lead to policy changes and improved resource allocation for environmental protection initiatives.

3. Explain the significance of faecal coliform standards in sewage treatment and its implications for public health.

1. Faecal coliform levels indicate the presence of harmful bacteria in water, which can cause waterborne diseases.
2. Compliance with standards ensures that treated sewage is safe for discharge and minimizes health risks.
3. High coliform levels in treated water can compromise the safety of water for drinking and recreational use.
4. Monitoring these standards is crucial for protecting vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly.
5. Failure to meet standards can lead to public health crises and increased healthcare costs for communities.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges in implementing sewage treatment infrastructure in urban areas.

1. Urban areas often face space constraints, making it difficult to construct adequate sewage treatment facilities.
2. Funding and budget allocations for infrastructure projects can be insufficient, delaying implementation.
3. Political and bureaucratic hurdles can impede the timely completion of sewage treatment plants (STPs).
4. Public awareness and community opposition can arise due to perceived impacts of STPs on local environments.
5. Existing infrastructure may be outdated or poorly maintained, leading to inefficiencies and non-compliance with standards.