Mahakumbh: NGT Extends Deadline For Sewage Management Plan

Mahakumbh

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently granted the Uttar Pradesh government additional time to present a comprehensive sewage management plan for the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela, scheduled in Prayagraj from January 13 (Paush Poornima) to February 26 (Maha Shivratri) in 2025.

This religious gathering, held every 12 years, is expected to significantly increase the sewage load in the city.

The tribunal, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, was addressing concerns about preventing untreated sewage discharge into the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj. In an order dated December 9, the bench acknowledged a request from the state’s Additional Advocate General (AAG) for three additional days to submit the plan.

Plan Details Expected

The bench, which also included Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member A Senthil Vel, stated that the plan must outline:
– The estimated sewage generation during the Mahakumbh Mela.
– The capacity of sewage treatment facilities to handle increased loads.
– Steps to prevent untreated sewage from reaching the rivers, including measures for the entire city of Prayagraj.
– Details of drains discharging into the rivers and methods to ensure zero untreated discharge.

The tribunal also requested transparency regarding contracts awarded, allocated funds, land availability, and the agencies responsible for executing the plan. The status of ongoing work and timelines for completion must also be included.

The NGT directed the principal secretary of the environment department to submit the report within three days.

Drains and Sewage Management

During the hearing, the AAG revealed that Prayagraj has 81 drains discharging treated and untreated sewage into the Ganga and Yamuna, including five major drains, three stormwater drains, and two sewage drains.

The AAG noted that low-flow drains would utilize on-site treatment methods to prevent untreated discharge. For the 39 untapped drains, the plan includes:
– Treating 60-70 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage from 22 drains using an advanced oxidation system.
– Intercepting and diverting sewage from the remaining 17 drains to existing sewage treatment plants (STPs).

The tribunal recorded these updates and emphasized the urgency of completing necessary measures ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela.

The case is scheduled for further proceedings on December 16, as the NGT continues to monitor progress on achieving its goal of zero untreated sewage discharge into the rivers during the event.