Kumbha Mela – Issue of water and pollution in river Ganga

The Prime Minister has been monitoring the availability of adequate water from Tehri Dam in river Ganga at Allahabad during the Kumbh Mela. Directions have been given to control the pollution load flowing in river Yamuna during the Kumbh Mela period.

THDCIL (Tehri Hydro Development Corporation) has agreed to release 250 cumecs water from 21st December 2012 to 20th February 2013 and 220 cumecs water from 21st February 2013 to 28th February 2013 in view of demand of water for Allahabad 'Kumbh Snans'.

Instructions have also been given by PMO that Delhi Jal Board should ensure that the performance of the 72 MGD STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) at Keshavpur renovated/commissioned recently is stabilized so that it functions optimally and the effluent meets the norms. The Delhi Government has been asked to ensure that the performance of the STPs and CETPs (Common Effluent Treatment Plants) is optimized to meet the effluent quality norms.

At Sangam, Allahabad, the BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) of Yamuna and Ganga is generally less than 6 mg/ltr but the main issue is of the colour of effluents discharged by the pulp and paper industries into the river Ram Ganga and Kali (both tributaries of Ganga). Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand SPCBs have been directed to ensure that all the paper units discharging their effluents into river Ganga or its tributaries comply with the prescribed norms. Monitoring of water quality in river Ram Ganga and river Kali and their tributaries is being initiated on a daily basis by the State Boards of Uttrakhand and Uttar Pradesh with the coordination of CPCB. Action will be taken against the industries for violating the norms. CPCB has issued show cause notices for closure to 23 tannery units in Unnao and Banther and based on the response received/action taken further course of action will be decided.