Ganga's Purity Lost Within 90km of Source

The Ganga River, originating in Uttarakhand, is experiencing a significant decline in water quality shortly after its source. A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India audit highlights that water quality drops from Class A to Class B within approximately 90 kilometers, between Devprayag and Rishikesh/Haridwar. This rapid deterioration occurs despite an investment of about Rs 873 crore in Ganga rejuvenation projects in Uttarakhand between 2018 and 2023.

Although Rs 681 crore of this sum was allocated to sewerage infrastructure, including sewage treatment plants (STPs), many of these facilities remain underutilized. The audit found that incomplete sewer networks and a lack of household connections mean that untreated sewage continues to flow directly into the river. This is exacerbated by rapid urbanization and a surge in tourism, leading to increased solid and grey water waste.

Construction and demolition waste dumping along riverbanks also poses a threat, with monsoon rains washing debris into tributaries and the main river. Effective river conservation requires integrated planning, ensuring intercepted drains, functional sewer networks, and efficient treatment plants work together. Uttarakhand's role is crucial, as pollution at the source exponentially increases the challenge downstream.