Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Under Namami Gange Programme, a total of 136 sewerage infrastructure projects have been sanctioned and 36 projects have been completed so far while the remaining projects are under various stages of implementation. Against an estimated sewage generation of 2,953 Million Litres per Day (MLD) from the towns along main stream of river Ganga, the sewage treatment capacity in the towns along Ganga has increased from 1,305 MLD (2014) to 1,822 MLD capacity. In addition to this, Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) capacity of 3,577 MLD is being created in Ganga basin.
The Government has launched Namami Gange Programme covering short term, medium term and long term activities. Under short term activities, certain entry level activities which cover development of ghats crematoria & river surface cleaning activities etc have been taken up.
Under medium term activities, existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) are being upgraded and new STPs & ETPs are being established. Beside, rural sanitation has been taken up in the villages on the banks of river Ganga.
The long term action plan involves restoration of wholesomeness of river Ganga and maintaining the ecological & geological integrity of river. The Central Government approved the Namami Gange Programme in May, 2015, as a five year programme till 2020. However, efforts are being made to achieve substantial progress much before the target date. This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr Satya Pal Singh in a written reply to a query in Rajya Sabha 36 sewerage on February 4, 2019.