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Ganga's Last Stretch Shows Remarkable Water Quality Improvement
21 May
Summary
- Ganga's final stretch in West Bengal saw significant water quality improvement.
- Pollution levels shifted from Priority III to Priority V in seven years.
- 34 infrastructure projects worth ₹5,028 crore were sanctioned for West Bengal.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga announced significant improvements in the water quality of the Ganga's final stretch in West Bengal. Previously categorized as 'Priority III' in 2018, the Triveni-to-Diamond Harbour section is now 'Priority V', a shift indicating a substantial reduction in pollution load, even though the mapped polluted area appears longer.
This environmental turnaround is credited to 34 sanctioned sewage-infrastructure projects in West Bengal, valued at ₹5,028 crore, which have established a total sewage treatment capacity of 816 MLD. Seventeen projects, with a capacity of 558.5 MLD, have already been completed, particularly around the Hooghly belt which receives substantial urban discharge.
The mission also highlighted the role of the East Kolkata Wetland, a natural wastewater treatment ecosystem that processes approximately 750 MLD of sewage. This Ramsar site complements the Namami Gange program's efforts, treating the city's wastewater naturally before it reaches the Hooghly.
Furthermore, West Bengal is set to notify its Safe Reuse of Treated Water Policy within the next two months, signaling a comprehensive approach to water resource management. The Hybrid Annuity Model is also being increasingly utilized for sewage treatment plant construction and operation in the region.
