What were the main failures highlighted in Uttarakhand's Namami Gange Programme?

The program suffered from poor sewage management, untreated waste discharge into the Ganga, inadequate public awareness campaigns, and lack of progress in forestry interventions.

Why were many sewage treatment plants in Uttarakhand not taken over?

The Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan declined to take over 18 STPs due to deficiencies in their construction and operation, alongside neglected sewage sludge management.

What was the water quality status of the Ganga in Uttarakhand according to the report?

Water quality of the Ganga up to Devprayag was Class A. In Rishikesh and Haridwar, it remained in Class B during the audit period, indicating moderate pollution.

Home / Environment / Ganga Cleanup Falters: CAG Slams Uttarakhand's Flaws

Ganga Cleanup Falters: CAG Slams Uttarakhand's Flaws

11 Mar

Summary

Sewage treatment plants lack capacity, discharge untreated waste.
STP takeover declined due to construction and operation deficiencies.
Public awareness campaigns for crematoria and forestry interventions failed.

Ganga Cleanup Falters: CAG Slams Uttarakhand's Flaws

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India report has sharply criticized the implementation of the Namami Gange Programme in Uttarakhand, highlighting significant failures in sewage management and public engagement. The report, covering 2018-2023, found that sewage treatment plants (STPs) lacked sufficient capacity, leading to untreated sewage entering the Ganga river. Many STPs remained unconnected or only partially connected to sewer networks, and the state government provided minimal resources for improvements.

The CAG also pointed to neglected solid waste management, with garbage dumped on river slopes or burned, eventually polluting the Ganga. Public awareness campaigns for Namami Gange projects, such as crematoria, were ineffective, contributing to low utilization. Furthermore, only a fraction, 16%, of the planned expenditure was implemented, indicating a severe lack of progress in crucial areas like forestry interventions. The report further detailed issues with STP quality, with many failing to meet national standards. Water quality in Rishikesh and Haridwar remained in Class B, indicating moderate pollution. The Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board also lacked essential laboratory accreditation for monitoring water quality and effluents, compounding the program's shortcomings.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.

Home / Environment / Ganga Cleanup Falters: CAG Slams Uttarakhand's Flaws

Ganga Cleanup Falters: CAG Slams Uttarakhand's Flaws

11 Mar

•

Summary

Sewage treatment plants lack capacity, discharge untreated waste.
STP takeover declined due to construction and operation deficiencies.
Public awareness campaigns for crematoria and forestry interventions failed.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.