Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the 55 MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Bhagwanpur during his visit to his parliamentary constituency on April 28. The Prime Minister had laid the foundation of this project in March 2023.
Key Milestone in Ganga Cleaning
Varanasi has achieved a significant milestone in the cleaning of the Ganga river. Wastewater from the Assi river and sewage from Nakkha Nala, both of which have been flowing into the river for years, have now been tapped. This has effectively stopped the discharge of polluted water into the Ganga.
The 55 MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) located at Bhagwanpur has become operational. Through this project, approximately 33 MLD of sewage that was previously falling into the river has been intercepted. This has led to a reduction in the pollution level of the Ganga river, and a continuous improvement in the quality of Ganga water in Kashi is being observed.
Project Details and Cost
Ashish Kumar Singh, project manager of the Ganga Pollution Control Unit in Varanasi, stated that Rs 308 crore has been spent on this project. The scheme includes interceptor and diversion work for polluted water flowing into the Ganga through the Assi river and Nakkha Nala, a 55 MLD capacity STP, a 50 MLD main pumping station, a five MLD sewage pumping station, 3.51 kilometres of rising main, 1.35 kilometres of treated effluent pipeline, and operation and maintenance provisions for 15 years.
He further mentioned that the addition of more STPs has steadily improved the quality of Ganga water. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels, which were between six and ten in 2017, have dropped to between three and six in 2026. This is a clear indication of reduced pollution.
