On January 4, Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat opened a state-of-the-art 14 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and a 2.4 km Interception & Diversion (I&D) Network at Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major step towards the revitalization of India's water bodies. The project, executed under the Namami Gange Programme, marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to purify the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the comprehensive conservation and promotion work being carried out under the Namami Gange Mission.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized the impact of a decade of National Mission for Clean Ganga's (NMCG) endeavors, leading to the return of aquatic life in the Ganga, affirming the sustained vitality of the river.
Government's Commitment to Clean Water
Underlining the commitment of the Government of India to water conservation and pollution control, the Union Minister highlighted the establishment of the STP in Baghpat as a crucial initiative. The project, undertaken in the Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer (DBOT) mode, received 100% central funding, amounting to Rs. 77.36 crores.
Proudly, Shekhawat announced Namami Gange's recognition as one of the top 10 World Restoration Flagships at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference. The Minister stressed the dual significance of the Ganga and Yamuna as symbols of faith and essential sources of sustenance and livelihood for 43% of the country's population residing in the Ganga River Basin.
Yamuna Action Plan
G. Asok Kumar, Director-General of NMCG, emphasized the importance of the Baghpat STP in addressing the pollution concerns of the Yamuna River. The STP, designed to intercept sewage effluent from four nalas, utilizes advanced technology to redirect household wastewater away from open drains, ensuring more efficient discharge into nalas.
Technological Advancements
The project boasts a state-of-the-art Intercepting Sewer Line, deploying Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) NP3 pipes, covering a distance of 2.345 kilometers. The use of Ductile Iron (DI) K-9 pipes for vertical conveyance and a Master Pumping Station (MPS) further enhance the efficiency of the sewage interception system. A robust Operation & Maintenance plan is in place to ensure the facility's optimal functionality for the next 15 years.
Yamuna Pollution Mitigation
The Baghpat STP aligns with the broader Yamuna Action Plan (YAP I, II & III) initiated in 1993. The plan, with financial assistance provided to states along the Yamuna, aims to combat rising pollution levels. The newly inaugurated facility stands as a testament to the government's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable water management.
Looking ahead, the Government of India, in collaboration with NMCG, has approved 34 projects with a total allocation of Rs. 5834.71 crore to create 2110.25 MLD STP capacity. These projects strategically aim to mitigate pollution in the Yamuna and Hindon Rivers across various states, with 15 projects already completed.
