Case of Kanpur- Towards a Cleaner Ganga
We need to value our water by recognizing and considering all the services provided by the water like it is social, economic or ecological. To realize these benefits and conserve our waters whether it is in the form of rivers, wetlands, water bodies, rainwater etc. there is a need to work on a systematic change in decision making and re-connecting people to the water. River Ganga is an apt example. Ganga has been part of the collective consciousness of our country and its basin is largest and most important for food and water securities. River Ganga is essential for millions of people for their livelihood and economy. With the increased anthropogenic footprint due to developmental activities and the possible climate change, the River faces critical challenges of pollution and water availability.
We need to value our water by recognizing and considering all the services provided by the water like it is social, economic or ecological. To realize these benefits and conserve our waters whether it is in the form of rivers, wetlands, water bodies, rain water etc. there is a need to work on a systematic change in decision making and re-connecting people to the water. River Ganga is an apt example. Ganga has been part of the collective consciousness of our country and its basin is largest and most important for food and water securities. River Ganga is essential for millions of people for their livelihood and economy. With the increased anthropogenic footprint due to developmental activities and the possible climate change, the River faces critical challenges of pollution and water availability.
Pollution Abatement - To tackle the pollution load in river Ganga from Kanpur, NMCG in close association with State Government has prepared a comprehensive scheme rationalizing the available sewerage infrastructure for better utilization, development of new sewerage infrastructure, rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, industrial pollution abatement, and their operation and maintenance.
The rising population of Kanpur has significantly contributed to the rise in the flow of untreated sewage discharging directly into the river Ganga. The current sewage generation of Kanpur is about 375 MLD which is projected to increase to 460 MLD by 2035.
To address the issue, a thorough assessment with respect to city profile, its master plan, the existing infrastructure, and the deficit has been done. The assessment has indicated that most of the sewerage infrastructure that was created earlier is not operational and are poorly maintained and a significant gap between sewage generation and treatment capacity in the city. This comprehensive scheme sanctioned for the rehabilitation of the existing infrastructure and to create new infrastructure so as to bridge the treatment gap. The sanctioned scheme also includes nearby cities of Unnao and Gangaghat (Shuklaganj). A separate scheme has also been implemented in Bithoor which is the suburban town of Kanpur.
For the first time in the Namami Gange mission, a PPP approach of Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) and Performance Linked Payments, 15 years long term Infrastructure Operation & Maintenance (O&M) included for sewerage projects. The ‘One City One Operator’ approach merging rehabilitation of old and creation of new treatment capacity, Recycle and reuse of wastewater to improve governance has been introduced.
An integration model has been used under the mission for the creation, rehabilitation, and monitoring of sewerage infrastructure in the city. A new treatment capacity of 50 MLD was created along with rehabilitation of the existing 130 MLD capacity. The existing, new, and rehabilitated treatment capacities were integrated under the One City and One Operator for better operation and maintenance. Under this, a single operator has been entrusted with the development of new STPs, rehabilitation of the existing sewage treatment infrastructure, and O&M of all assets for 15 years under the Hybrid Annuity-based PPP mode. This will ensure single-point accountability, desired performance, and long-term sustenance. More than 100-year-old Sisamau Nala (140 MLD wastewater generation) fully tapped and other sewerage Project at Kanpur operationalized. More than 80 major drains have been tapped.
In Kanpur, there are almost 92,200 households in the city connected to the septic tanks, which forms almost 20% of total households in the city which is connected to the on-site system. To minimize the pollution through indiscriminate disposal of fecal sludge and septage (FSS), treatment options like the creation of FSTP or co-treatment were explored. Currently, FSS is co-treated at 210 MLD Binagawan STP in Kanpur having significant unutilized capacity. NMCG is also working with CSE to spread the FSS management and to create necessary technical capacity in the state agencies for expeditious implementation.
The impact of the program is reflected in the improving trend of water quality which is targeted to achieve the bathing standards. The important parameter of Dissolved Oxygen (DO) to be more than 5mg/liter is now achieved throughout the 2525 km long river including the stretch of Kanpur. There is also a significant improvement in the Biological Oxygen demand (BOD) standard. Two of such stations are installed in upstream and downstream of Kanpur. The Graph below shows the improved BOD and DO levels at these two stations.
Industrial Pollution Abatement - The city accounts for almost 80-90% of leather exports of India. Presently, about 400 tanneries (90% SSIs) are situated in the cluster and has been a major environmental concern for last few decades due to its poor management of wastewater and perceptively acknowledged as a major polluter in River Ganga Basin. Inventory of all the Grossly Polluting Industries has been done under the mission and annual inspection of GPIs carried out through technical institutions. Regular surveillance and enforcement through SPCBs and District Administration are also carried out. A project for integrated industrial wastewater management system comprising of collection and conveyance system, adoption of clean technology and incorporating an institutional framework for comprehensive waste management has been approved by NMCG at an estimated cost of Rs. 617 Crores, under which a 20 MLD capacity Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) will be constructed.
Solid Waste Management–A Trash skimmer was deployed at a strategic location in Kanpur for 3 years (2016-2019) duration to clean the river from floating garbage. Under the project sanctioned, 39 ghats in Kanpur and Bithoor are being cleaned daily. There are 16 drains in Kanpur which have outfall in river Ganga out of which 12 have been tapped and screens have been provided in the remaining 4 (with regular cleaning) to prevent the garbage from entering into the river. These initiatives have led to Kanpur securing the 2nd position in the Swachh Survey 2020 in the category of Cleanest Ganga Towns (Population > 1 Lakh)
Ecology and Flow - The historic Notification of Ecological flow for river Ganga in October 2018 is a big step for Aviral Ganga. Demarcation and protection of floodplains, protection & conservation of wetlands especially floodplain and urban wetlands and small river rejuvenation projects are under implementation. Sustainable Agriculture is being promoted through organic farming, eco-agriculture and medicinal plantation and improving water use efficiency.
A comprehensive project is under implementation in partnership with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to map biodiversity hotspots for the entire length of Ganga and scientific improvement of habitat, species. An interpretation centre “Anubhuti” has been developed by the WII, NMCG and UP Forest Department at the heritage building of Allen Forest situated at Kanpur Zoological Park. The centre gives visitors an experience of Ganga and aims to improve the image of river Ganga from a highly polluted river to a river that is appreciated for its aesthetic value.
People River Connect - To reconnect people of the town with Ganga, a project funded by NMCG has been completed the construction and rehabilitation of 24 Ghats and 3 Crematoriaat an estimated cost of Rs 47.39 Cr. This initiative has helped in improving the connect of people of Kanpur with river Ganga. Namami Gange has also taken up interventions for community outreach, through Ganga Vichar Manch, Ganga Praharis, NYK Ganga Doots, Ganga Mitras, Ganga Task Force with ex-serviceman, Ganga Utsav, Ganga Run, Ganga Rafting expeditions, Treks with a social message and several activities has been taken up.
National Ganga Council meeting under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Prime Minister was held at Kanpur in view of its critical importance and to give further momentum to these efforts.
Ganga Quest 2021 - an online quiz which is an annual event and last year unprecedented response of more than one million people received from every nook and corner of the country and also from 10 international destinations as on pilot basis quiz was opened to selected countries. This year the registration for Ganga Quest 2021 will start from 22nd March, the World Water Day and quiz starts from 7th April. The quiz goes global this year. It is a great opportunity to learn, enjoy and win prizes. The quiz www.gangaquest.com will spread the message to be part of this national endeavor, this Jan Andolan.
