Foundation in Varanasi. It is further stated that there is concrete construction inside Ganga water channel at Lalita Ghat.

2. Vide order dated 17.06.2021, considering the seriousness of the issue and in the light of judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Paryavaran Suraksha case¹

and orders of this Tribunal in O.A. No. 593/2017, Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti & Anr. v. Union of India & Ors., O.A. No. 673/2018, In Re: News item published in "The Hindu" authored by Shri Jacob Koshy, titled "More river stretches are now critically polluted:

CPCB" and O.A. No. 200/2014, M.C. Mehta v. UOI & Ors. (relating to river Ganga), the Tribunal constituted an independent Monitoring Committee comprising of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State PCB, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and District Magistrate, Varanasi to ascertain the factual status and take remedial action. NMCG was directed to file an action taken report in OA No. 200/2014, relating to rejuvenation of River Ganga, inter alia covering status on water quality of Assi and Varuna, action taken on diversion and treatment of sewage, water quality of upstream and downstream of confluence of Assi and Varuna to River Ganga, demarcation of Flood Plain Zones of Assi, Varuna and Ganga (in the said area), in accordance with the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.

3. Accordingly, an action taken report has been filed on 18.08.2021 by the U.P. State PCB on behalf of the joint Committee. The report mentions the minutes of meeting held on 30.06.2021 at CPCB attended by Dr. A. K. Vidyarthi, Additional Director & DH, WQM-II representing CPCB, Sh. Kalika Singh, RO, UPPCB, Varanasi representing State PCB, Sh. Rajat Gupta, SWM Specialist representing National Mission for Clean Ganga

2

(NMCG) and Sh. Gulab Chand, ADM representing District Magistrate, Varanasi. In the said meeting action plan for river Varuna, prepared in pursuance of orders of this Tribunal in OA No. 673/2018, was discussed and revised. Issues of prevention of river water pollution, river ecosystem study and groundwater recharge, sewage and surface runoff management and encroachment were identified and addressing of gaps was planned. Thereafter, water quality was monitored and river restoration plan updated. Survey of all the concerned drains, tributaries was also undertaken. The revised action plan covering Restoration and rejuvenation of Varuna River and Restoration and rejuvenation of Assi River has been proposed which includes steps like de-silting, remediation of waste, development of floodplain, bio-diversity parks, sewage management, sludge management, industrial pollution management, solid waste management, removal of encroachments and monitoring mechanism.

4. The action plan proposed is reproduced below:

"Chapter 4. Action Plan Action Plan, Work Plan, Timelines and Implementing Agencies for restoration and rejuvenation of Varuna and Assi Rivers, Varanasi

Riverscape restoration and rejuvenation of Varuna and Assi A. Restoration and rejuvenation of Varuna River Action Plan 1: Restoration of catchment wetlands located at the origin and downstream from the origin before joining Basuhi river (in this stretch the river is not polluted and does not have water in dry season).

Table 4.1 Action Plan for Restoration and rejuvenation of Varuna River

S. No Work Plan Timeline Implementing Agency

3

Action Plan 2: Restoration of Basuhi and Morwa tributaries. Both the tributaries have clean water. However, two drains meet Morwa having small quantity of discharge which get diluted and carry clean water from their catchments and irrigation canal water to Varuna.

Table 4.2 Action Plan for Restoration of Basuhi and Morwa tributaries

Action Plan 3: Remediation of waste water that is discharged into Morwa (from two drains) and three major drains Dhoraira drain, Durga drain, Basti/ Naya Bazar drain that discharge sewage and industrial waste water into Varuna.

Table 4.3 Remediation of waste water that is discharged into Morwa

S. No Work Plan Timeline Implementing Agency

4

Action Plan 4: Development of Floodplain Biodiversity Park at Adikeshwar Ghat where Varuna joins Ganga not only to enhance the water quality in Ganga in the stretch but also further enhance the quality of water of Varuna before discharged into Ganga by passing through treatment wetlands. The Biodiversity also help in restoring of riparian ecosystems and in stream community and also provide aesthetic and recreation value to Ganga.

Table 4.4 Development of Floodplain Biodiversity Park

Action Plan 5: Desilting of river Varuna in stretches where heavy sedimentation has taken place.

Table 4.5 Desilting of river Varuna

5

Action Plan 6: Monitoring of water quality at different sampling sites to assess the health of river ecosystems.

Table 4.6 Monitoring of water quality

B. Restoration and rejuvenation of Assi River Action Plan 1: Restoration of catchment wetlands at the point of origin and other wetland in the downstream to enhance the flow rates of water in the river.

Table 4.7 Restoration and rejuvenation of Assi River

Action Plan 2: Remediation of sewage + household industrial waste water using Constructed Wetlands at stretches in the river where width is maximum with one largest CWS at 100 m away from the confluence of river with Ganga.

6

Table 4.8 Remediation of sewage and household industrial waste water using Constructed Wetlands

Action Plan 3: Desiltation of river, if not desilted during the last 5 years and use of desilted material for strengthening of embankments wherever possible.

Table 4.9 Desiltation of river

Action Plan 4: Development of Floodplain Biodiversity Parks at the Assi Ghat, from the historical confluence of Assi with Ganga, to the point where diverted. About 25 years ago the Assi River was diverted towards Ravidas Park from Nagwa road and it passes through Nagwa Colony and known as Nagwa drain before confluence with River Ganga. The old route of River Assi which is about 700 meters (from the point of interception Udupi Shri Krishna Madhav Temple to Sant Ravidas Park) carries household sewage and discharge into Nagwa drain. This may help in restoring the original Ghat where Assi used to confluence with Ganga and also enhance the quality of Ganga water.

Table 4.10 Development of Floodplain Biodiversity Parks

Action Plan 5: Monitoring quality of water for sustaining the health of restored river ecosystem.

Table 4.11 Monitoring of water Quality S. No Work Plan Timeline Implementing Agency

7

i. Monitoring of water quality as per 5 years UPPCB CPCB norms before and after

restoration

Figure 4.1 Schematic Diagram of Constructed Wetland Figure 4.2 Schematic Diagram of Biodiversity Park

8

Sewage Management A. Introduction

Varanasi city is presently divided into four sewerage districts located within current municipal corporation limits. Under the present sewerage master plan the existing districts are re-aggregated into 4 Districts to correspond roughly with natural drainage catchments. These Districts are described as follows:

District 1: District 1 is the Central City Sewerage District draining to

80 MLD Dinapur STP via 6 no. sewerage pumping stations. This area includes the old city, about 1km in breadth and 5km along the Ganga river from Assi to Raj Ghat. Density in this area is very high.

District 2: District 2 is further bifurcated in 3 zones name 2A,2B,2C & Future Sewerage Area 1 (FSA1). Zone 2A is the Sub-Central District on the cis-Varuna side west of the city centre and zone 2B is a slice of the trans-Varuna district along the Varuna river up to the ridge line defined by the Jaunpur road. Wastewater in these two zones will be collected at 140 MLD Chauka ghat MPS and finally treated in 140 MLD STP at Dinapur

District 2 Zone 2C: Zone 2C is the trans-Varuna District north of the Jaunpur road. Wastewater in this area generally falls to the north and to the east. FSA1 is north of the trans-Varuna District just outside the current Municipal Corporation limit. Wastewater generated in this area tends to flow north and east towards 120 MLD STP Goithaha.

District 3: District 3 is the BHU/Assi District south of the city including FSA 4. At present this area is mainly the Banares Hindu University campus which is fully sewered. Wastewater discharged in this area follows natural drains flowing into river Assi nala and Nakkhi nala. FSA4 is outside the current Municipal Corporation limit and surrounds the area occupied by BHU campus. Wastewater in this area drains to Assi river and Nakkhi nala which discharge to Ganga river upstream of the water supply intake and Ghats.currently 2 STP namely 50 MLD Ramana STP and 8 MLD Bhagwanpur STP are in service in district 3.

District 4: District 4 include FSA-2 and FSA-3 area which is outside the current Municipal Corporation limit. FSA2 is west of the current Municipal Corporation limit, and bounded by North-eastern railway. FSA3 is west of FSA2 and bounded by the Northern railway line. Currently there is no sewage treatment facility available in district 4.

9

Figure 4.3 Schematic representation of sewerage district of Varanasi city

Non-Sewerage Areas (NSA)

Non-serviced areas are identified as follows:

NWA1: NSA1 is within current Municipal Corporation limits to the east of the Trans-Varuna district. It includes the local community of Sarnath. Wastewater generated in this area drains naturally into Narokar nala which is now diverted to 120 MLD Goithaha via Intermediate Pumping Station.

NSA2: NSA2 is within current Municipal Corporation limits to the extreme north west of the trans-Varuna District. Sewage generation will be diverted to 120 MLD GoithahaVaranasi

B. Sewerage master plan- 2005 (JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY-JICA)

JICA formulated sewerage masterplan in 2005. The plan for 2015 is explained in (Figure 1)

10

Figure 4.4: JICA Sewerage Plan for 2015

As per JICA masterplan-2005 (figure 1) the projected population in Assi catchment area for the year 2015 is 78335 + 214570 = 292,905. The projected sewage generation was 14.5 + 39.7 = 54.2 MLD. To cater 54.2 MLD, 8.0 MLD is to be treated by 8.0 MLD existing Bhagwanpur STP and new proposed 37 MLD at Ramna.

The plan for 2030 is explained in Figure 2

Figure 4.5: JICA Sewerage Plan for 2030

As per JICA masterplan-2005 (above) the projected population for the year 2030 is 182781 + 291188 = 476969. The projected sewage generation was 28.3 + 39.7 = 73.4 MLD. To cater 73.4 MLD, new 37 (2015) + 38 (2030) = 75 MLD was proposed.

11

However, in 2014 situation, JICA relooked into the sewerage masterplan and revised the capacity of 75 MLD to 59.8 MLD (50 MLD new Ramana STP + Existing 9.8 MLD Bhagwanpur).

Action plan for Varuna catchment Trans Varuna Catchment

It consists of sewage District 2 B and 2 C.A new STP of 120 MLD is constructed at Goitha and working efficiently. Around 40 MLD flow is treated. The STP capacity is sufficient for next 15 years. No new STP or upgradation of existing STP is proposed.

Cis Varuna Catchment

It consists of District 2 A. The present sewage flow from district 2 A is

80 MILD, which is being pumped from Chauka ghat pumping station and treated at Dinapur new 140 MILD STP.

In addition, new 140 MILD STP shall also treat 40 MILD flow diverted from Shahi Nala.

Recommendations

 140 MLD Dinapur need to be upgraded to meet discharge standard.

 A new STP is needed to cater the future population for District 2 A.  Action plan to treat wastewater from Durga drain discharging to Varuna River should be prepared.

 Interceptor drain plan is under execution by UP Irrigation Department. All designs should be checked by expert authorities.

Figure 4.9: Interceptor drain plan of Varuna River Existing condition in Assi catchment

At present, as per CPCB measurement (12-15^th July 2021), the flow in Assi River is around 92 MLD. In addition, STP at Bhagwanpur also

12

treat 8.0 MLD flow and discharges into River Ganga via Nakha drain. Hence total discharge in Assi catchment is 92 + 8 = 100 MLD. However, water supply in municipal area of Assi catchment isonly 26

MLD.

The pumping capacity at Nagwa Pumping Station to cater 50 MLD Ramana STP is only 50 MLD, 8 MLD is treated at Bhagwanpur STP and rest 92-50 = 42 MLD discharges directly into the River Ganga.

Figure 4.12 Present sewerage Situation of Varanasi City

This rapid increase in flow to Assi River is due to:

1. Unprecedented residential/commercial growth is due to large no. of developmental projects during last 4-5 years owing to VIP constituency, which seems convincing.

2. The growth within the city is limited due to constraint of land availability. Assi -BHU area and Trans Varuna area is vast open for development. Hence, increment significantly in migratory/floating population.

3. Untreated wastewater from Sewerage District 2 & 4.

4. Much higher water consumption than prescribed 135 lpcd because of unregulated water usage i.e., personnel source of water- submersible pumps etc, which has no control of water usage.

Recommendations A. Short Term plan

1. Presently actual discharge is mixed with rainfall. Actual dry weather flow can only be ascertained after rainy season. Detailed

13

assessment of excess discharge is required to be done and hence future forecasting is to be done accordingly.

2. There should be 24-h proper flow measurement of Assi River by both Area velocity and V notch method after the monsoon season.

3. Controlling wastewater from other sewerage districts.

4. There should be check and control on non-revenue water (NRW). NRW is defined as loss of water through leakages and illegal usage.

5. Based on the flow measurement, water supply and population projection, a new STP need to be proposed either at Ravinder Puri Culvert (on the bank of Assi River around 1km upstream of confluence) or at Ramana existing 50 MLD STP site wherever found feasible. The DPR for additional STP is to be prepared after flow assessment and population projection.

B. Long Term Plan

1. Wastewater generation is very high, hence proper 24 x 7 water supply with metering is needed to control wastewater generation and non-revenue water. A JICA project is underway to control non- revenue water

2. Laying of complete sewerage system for the entire city.

3. 9.8 MLD Bhagwanpur STP need to be decommissioned and new STP for higher capacity for future projections with new standards need to be constructed.

4. Banaras Locomotive Works STP should be upgraded to meet discharge standard.

Action plan for Ganga catchment

The sewage from District 1 (Old Varanasi) is treated in old 80 Dinapur STP. It is pumped from Konia Pumping station.

Recommendations

Old Dinapur STP (80 MLD) need to be decommissioned and new STP for higher capacity for future projections (as well as Shahi Nala Flow) with new standards need to be constructed.

Action plan for trans- Ganga

One new 10 MLD STP is constructed and treating around 8.0 MLD flow.

Recommendations

 It is recommended that due to recent infrastructural development, there shall be rapid increase in population in near future.  It is assumed that 10 MLD full flow shall be reached within next 1-2 years. Hence, authorities should start planning for the next phase so that no untreated wastewater discharge from the trans Ganga in near future.

14

Table 4.12: Action Plan for sewage management in catchment of river Varuna, Assi and Ganga in Varanasi Sl Sewerage Estimated Pumping River Existing Key issues Proposed Action Implementing No District Sewage Station catchm Sewage Plan Agencies

Generation ent Treatment Timeline for Action

2030 Facility

(MLD)

 District 1 covers the old part New STP of higher UttarPradesh Preparation of DPR - 3 Month of the city Varanasi capacity for future Jal Nigam & Approval of DPR - 3 Months including most of the projections with new National Award of Work - 6 Months markets and tourist standard to be Mission for Completion of Work - 2 years destinations constructed after Clean Ganga Total Time required - 36 months

 The district has very less decommissioning of scope of further escalation 80 MLD STP at in sewage generation in near Dinapur. future

 Approx.80 MLD sewage

Generated inthis district

currently reaches 80 MLD

Dinapur STP for treatment

Konia through Konia and Saraiya

MPS, 80 MLD Pumping station via Old Cis

1 District 1 93.7 Saraiya STP Trunk Sewer Varuna

P.S. 3.7 Dinapur^The rest of the sewage from MLD old trunk sewer is

discharged into river Management of rest Ganga through of the sewage from closed conduit at Shahi old trunk sewer, Nala Outfall, Rajghat presently discharging Uttar Pradesh  Dinpaur 80 MLD STP has Work to be completed - 3 monthsat Shahi Nala outfall Jal Nigam completed the design life through pumping to

and it was designed as per 140 MLD STP

old discharge standards Dinapur.

resulting in non-compliance

of STP to norms prescribed

by NGT

15

 Chaukaghat pumping station is currently pumping only 70- 80 MLD to Dinapur 140 MLD STP.  The interception and Preparation of DPR for upgradation diversion of Shahi Nala - 3 months The 140 MLD STP outfall at Rajghat to requires upgradation Chaukaghat pumping Uttar Pradesh Jal Approval of Work - 3 months to meet the norms station through a new Nigam & National prescribed by

rescue trunk sewer is Mission for Clean Award of Work for upgradation - 3 Hon'ble NGT proposed and work is Ganga months Completion of upgradation including nutrient underway - 6 months removal

 The Cis-interceptor line at

Varuna bank will also Total time required - 12- 14 months

intercept the untapped

drains on the cis Varuna

Chauka bank to Chauka Ghat

225.3 Ghat MPS pumping station for (including (140 MLD), Cis 140 MLD

2 District 2A pumping to Dinapur 140 NSA 1&2 & Phulwaria Varuna STP Dinapur MLD STP FSA-1 MPS (7.6  ASP technology based 140 MLD) Design of MLD Dinapur STP without interceptor plan tertiary filtration needs to be checked  No Biological nutrient by expert agency and removal (BNR) system Design finalization - 1 month tapping shall be  Under capacity utilization executed completely Irrigation  I&D of drains (mainly Shahi I&D work completion with final  I&D work of drains Department, Uttar Nala) is not completed tapping and pumping provisions - 2 falling into Varuna in Pradesh Jal Nigam  Damaged & non-functional months Cis-Varuna area & subject expert

I&D structure shall (mainly Shahi Total time required- 3 months

Nala) to be

completed and

tapped to STPs for

treatment

16

 Trans Varuna area contains zone 2B & 2C sewage

districts which has its sewage reaching partially for treatment at Goithaha STP through 7.6 MLD

Narokhar pumping station and rest quantity by gravity.  An interceptor line is under commissioning in trans Varuna river bank for interception of 7 drains in the area discharging into Varuna currently and other small minor outfalls from lanes  Design of interceptor

been connected with checked by expert. Irrigation

Narokhar I&D work completion with final

Trans 120 MLD pumping station currently  Interception and Department, Uttar

3 District 2B IPS (7.6 tapping and pumping provisions - 2 Varuna STP Goitaha and the interceptor system diversion have to be Pradesh Jal Nigam MLD) months

is open to flow completed at the & subject expert

 This interceptor line will earliest by the Total time required- 3 months

pump the sewage to 140 executing agencies MLD Dinapur STP for

treatment through Chauka

Ghat MPS as an interim

measure

 The Goithaha STP is

currently functioning at

around 30-40 MLD

treatment (Under capacity

utilization)

 Currently the catchment

area of Goithaha STP has

less population density so

the capacity utilization is

less and it is targeted to

achieve future utilization

17

 I&D of the Trans Varuna area is not completed.  Damaged & non-functional I&D structure meant for intercepting the Trans Varuna bank drains.

sewage management Municipal Approval of Work - 6 months

plan for trans Varuna Corporation,

4 District 2C needs to be developed Irrigation Award of work - 6 months which can cater all the Department and

drains of trans Varuna Urban Execution of work - 2 years area in Varanasi. Development Total time required- 36-42

Department months

18

 Estimated much higher water

consumption/discharge than prescribed Varanasi Municipal  Detailed

 Unregulated water uses and Corporation, Urban assessment of flow of freshwater from Development excess discharge in Kanchanpur talab and Department and dry weather other water bodies in the Uttar Pradesh Jal  Control on NRW

low-lying areas joining river Nigam

Assi shall be identified and

fresh water channels shall

be separated from the

sewerage line/drain

50 MLD  Estimated approximately

STP

Nagwa 50% Non -revenue water  A new STP of Ramana, 8

5 District 3 73.5 MPS (50 Assi River (NRW) is consumed of total adequate capacity Uttar Pradesh Jal Preparation of DPR - 3 Month

MLD STP

MLD) freshwater usags to treat the excess Nigam & National Approval of DPR - 3 Months Bhagwanp  Excess wastewater around approx. 50 MLD Mission for Clean Award of Work - 6 Months ur 40- 45 MLD goes directly to flow from the Assi Ganga Execution of work - 2 years Ganga River from the river outfall.

bypass point of Nagwa 50

MLD pumping station

 Bhagwanpur STP treats the  New STP at

sewage from Banaras Hindu Preparation of DPR - 3Months Bhagwanpur of University campus and Approval of DPR - 3 Months requisite capacity to treated sewage discharged Uttar Pradesh Jal be constructed as

through the Nakha drain Nigam & National Award of Work - 6 Months per new norms & which also carries Mission for Clean Completion of Work - 2 years flow data to cater untreated sewage from the Ganga the needs of BHU

Bhagwanpur local area and Total Time required - 32- 34  and nearby nearby areas of district 3. months municipal areas.

19

 The Bhagwanpur STP is designed to treat 9.8 MLD sewage (8 + 1.8) but currently only 8 MLD plant is operated and 1.8 MLD unit is nonoperational  The Bhagwanpur STP treats around 10 MLD sewage working overcapacity  The Bhagwanpur STP has completed its designed life  Restoration of origin  Large areas in adjoining & stretches of river district 4 and district 4 has Irrigation Assi (with land recently been added in Department, availability) through Municipal area and has no Varanasi Municipal constructed sewage management Corporation, Urban wetlands. Within 6 months system existing which Development  Separation of contributes to excess flow Department and freshwater from district 2 & 4 reaching Uttar Pradesh Jal channels/storm river Assi. Nigam water drains and

sewerage system

 Most part of the Sewerage CEMDE Delhi Preparation of feasibility reports & In-situ treatment at district 4 has recently been University, DPR - 02 Months

Durga Drain through

included in the Varanasi Irrigation

Constructed Wetland

Municpal Area and Department, Approval of Work - 3 Months

as interim measure.

estimation and planning for Varanasi Municipal Award of work and implementation the newly added areas is Corporation. - 3 Months

underway Total Time required - 8- 12

Cis Not  Currently no dedicated

months

6 District 4 45.1 None Varuna available treatment facility available  No sewerage networks

 'Untreated sewage directly

discharges in R. Varuna.

 The Durga (Lohta) drain is

the major drain Uttar Pradesh Jal Preparation of DPR - 01 Month New STP of requisite discharging to River Nigam & National Approval of DPR - 3 Months capacity to be Varuna from the district Mission for Clean constructed as per Ganga. Award of Work - 6 Months

20

 Actual discharge status is new norms & flow Completion of Work - 2 years unknown data. Total Time required - 32- 34

 Lohta STP (50 MLD) is months

proposed by 2030 (JICA Detailed assessment Irrigation report) of excess discharge in Department, Uttar Within 2 months dry weather Pradesh Jal Nigam,

Urban

Development

department

21

 The BLW campus has a STP of 12 MLD installed inside campus to treat the sewage generated in the campus.  The BLW campus lies in the Assi river catchment.  At least one drain originates from the campus and two Preparation of DPR - 01 Month drains passes near the BLW Approval of DPR - 3 Months Award campus and ultimately of Work - 6 Months Completion of discharges into river Assi Work - 2 years Total Time required  DLW-1 originates from the - 32- 34 months campus and carries treated BLW STP has

sewage and storm water outlived its designed from the BLW campus life BLW Engineering

Banaras  DLW-2 originates from the Department, UP Locomoti 50 Staff Cis

7 12 MLD Manduwadih area and flows

BLW STP shall be

Jal Nigam, National

ve Work colonies Varuna near the BLW campus upgraded/new STP to Mission for Clean (BLW)  DLW-1 and DLW-2 be installed to meet Ganga

ultimately meets river Assi norms prescribed by

near Sunderpur Chauraha NGT including for

DLW-3 originates from the coliform count

Kanchanpur taal area and

carries pond water and

waste water from nearby

low-lying areas

 DLW 3 meets river Assi near

the DLW campus trans of

DLW-Chunar Road.

 Around 2-3 MLD

wastewater from this drain

is treated at BLW STP for

sometime

22

 The 12 MLD STP at DLW Reason for weak operates at around 4 MLD organic load only and the inlet raw characteristics of BLW Engineering sewage shows weak sewage sewage at inlet of BLW Department, UP characteristics with low STP shall be explored Jal Nigam, Uttar Within 1-2 Month organic load  Water audit of water Pradesh Pollution

 STP has no disinfection usage and discharge Control Board system to control Coliform from BLW campus

count in treated sewage may be done

Sources of sewage and BLW Engineering

freshwater in the Department,

and freshwater - 1 Months

campus ultimately Department,

discharging into Assi Urban

river shall be Development Preparation of action plan for

separation of freshwater

identified and Department, UP

channels/storm water and waste

separated for reducing Jal Nigam, Uttar

water carrying drains- 6 Months

the flow in Assi river at Pradesh Pollution

interception point Control Board

Table 4.13: Road map for execution of proposed action Plan for restoration of Varuna & Assi river Sr. Sewerage Existing Proposed Project Activity

No. District Sewage Action/remedial

/region Treatment measure Work Plan Time line Implementation Agency

Facility

80 MLD Decommissioning Condition assessment & 1 Month UP Jal Nigam/ Other STP of existing STP feasibility report (CAFR) government organization and construction Approval of CAFR 1 month NMCG

23

1. District 1 Dinapur of new STP of Submission of DPR 2 Months UP Jal Nigam/ Other higher capacity government organization

for future Administrative approval & 2 months NMCG

projections with estimated sanctioned

new standard Tendering & award of project 2 months NMCG

Basic Engineering Package (BEP) 3 months UP Jal Nigam/ Other submission government

organization /EPC

Design & Engineering 2 months cIIoTn/MtraNcItTo/rDeemed

approval university

Construction & 2 years UP Jal Nigam/ EPC

Commissioning contractor/others

2. District 140 MLD STP Upgradation of STP Submission of DPR 2 Months UP Jal Nigam/ Other 2A as per new NGT government organization

Dinapur norms.

24

needs to be Construction & 3-4 month UP Irrigation checked by expert commissioning

I&D work of Tapping and diversion of Sahi 1-2 months dPreopjaercttm ise unnt/dEePrC e cxoencutrtaioctno bry Shahi Nala nala to 140 MLD STP UP Jal Nigam

I&D work of drains I&D work of drains up to 1-2 months Project is under execution by in cis Varuna 140 MLD MPS Chaukaghat UP irrigation department

region

3. District 120 MLD I&D work of I&D work of drains up to 1-2 months Project is under execution by STP drains in trans 140 MLD MPS Chaukaghat UP irrigation department 2B Varuna region as an interim measure

4. District Goitaha Development of Condition assessment & 1 Month UP Jal Nigam/ Other new feasibility report (CAFR) government organization

2C comprehensive Approval of CAFR 1 month NMCG

sewage Submission of DPR 2 Months UP Jal Nigam/ Other

government organization

management plan Administrative approval & 2 months NMCG

for trans Varuna estimated sanctioned

Tendering & award of project 2 months NMCG

BEP submission 3 months UP Jal Nigam/ Other

government

organization /EPC

Design & Engineering 2 months IcIoTn/MtraNcItTo/rDeemed

approval university

Construction & 1-2 years UP Jal Nigam/ EPC

Commissioning contractor/others

50 MLD Assessment of Detailed assessment of excess 3-4 months UP Jal Nigam STP excess discharge of Assi River in dry

discharge of weather &

Assi River

Control on NRW

25

5. District 3 Ramana, Design, Condition assessment & 1 Month UP Jal Nigam/ Other construction and feasibility report (CAFR) government organization

8 MLD STP commissioning of Bhagwanpur new tapping Approval of CAFR 1 month NMCG

Bhagwanpur And Approval of CAFR 1 month NMCG

Design, Submission of DPR 2 Months UP Jal Nigam/ Other

Construction and government organization

26

commission of Administrative approval & 2 months NMCG new STP as per estimated sanctioned

new STP of Approval of CAFR 1 month NMCG

27

District 4 available requisite capacity Submission of DPR 2 Months UP Jal Nigam/ Other

6. as per new norms government organization & flow data

Administrative approval & 2 months NMCG estimated sanctioned

Tendering & award of project 2 months NMCG BEP submission 3 months UP Jal Nigam/ Other government organization

/EPC contractor

Design & Engineering 2 months IIT/MNIT/Deemed approval university

Construction & 1-2 years UP Jal Nigam/ EPC Commissioning contractor/others

7. Varuna Not Restoration of Submission of design details 1 month CEMDE origin catchment & drawing

available origin of R. Submission of DPR for 2 months Irrigation and water Varuna desilting, channeling etc.

resources department/

Approval, Tendering and 3-4 month NOMthCeGr government project award

Desilting, channeling and 10-12 months Irrigation and water other construction work

resources department/

Biotic community 1-2 years COEtMheDrE government

Not Desilting of R dSeuvbemloispsmioenn otf & d erseisgtno draettiaoinls 1 month CEMDE Varuna & In-situ & drawing of CWS

development of Submission of DPR for 2 months Irrigation and water Constructed desilting, civil work etc. resources department

Wetland System Approval, Tendering and 3-4 month NMCG

in Dhoraira, Naya project award

Desilting and civil 3-4 months Irrigation and water

construction resources department

28

8. Along R. available Bazar, Bubuspur Vegetation development & 1-2 years CEMDE Varuna and Chauri drains commissioning

29

Performance assessment of STPs and requirement for upgradation /augmentation

The estimated sewage generation of Varanasi (including Ramnagar) is approximately 330 MLD (201718) (as per data received from UPPCB). Total 7 STPs (5 commissioned and 2 under trial) with total capacity of 421.8 MLD (361 MLD for commissioned STPs and 60 MLD for under trial STPs) have been installed for the treatment of the generated sewage. Utilized capacity of the commissioned and operational STPs is approximately 210 MLD.

Characteristics of raw sewage received at inlet of STPs located in Varanasi have BOD ranging from 10.5 mg/l to 52.4 mg/l, COD ranging from 45.7 mg/l to 193 mg/l indicating weak sewage as compared to typical municipal wastewater (BOD: 200-250 mg/l, COD: 350-500 mg/l); is received at inlet of the STPs. The weak sewage strength could be due to dilution of the sewage from septic tanks and addition of grey water from households etc. As per inspections conducted in last 2 years, the treated sewage from STPs is found non- complying with respect to the discharge norms. As per inspection dated 23.06.2021, reduction in BOD was found in range 38% to and 85%. Similarly, reduction in the COD was found in range 39% to 81%. STPs meet the prescribed norm for Total Nitrogen (10 mg/l) only when raw sewage with low Total Nitrogen (around 10 mg/l) is received. This necessitates upgradation and augmentation of these STPs. The measure suggested for the upgradation and augmentation of STPs are mentioned in the table below.

Discharge norm for Fecal coliform (230MPN/100ml) is not achieved in all STPs. Hence to achieve the norms there is requirement of upgradation/optimization of the existing disinfection system or installation of new disinfection system (if no disinfection system is present). The inflow at STP at Bhagwanpur is ranging from 8-14 MLD which is above the designed capacity (9.8 MLD). This STP needs capacity enhancement after detailed study for capacity requirement. STPs at Dinapur and Goithaha are underutilized. The reason for less inflow into STPs should be studied and areas without sewerage network should be provided with sewerage network and connected to respective STP.

Online continuous Effluent System (OCEMS) is installed at 12 MLD STP, BLW only. OCEMS should be installed at remaining 6 (4 operational and 2 under trial) STPs and connected to CPCB/ SPCB server at the earliest for on-line monitoring of the STPs.

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Table 4.14: Performance assessment of STPs of Varanasi and requirement for their upgradation and augmentation.

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(23.06.2021)

2. Optimization of existing disinfection system

3. Installation of OCEMS

4. Provision for sewerage network in uncovered areas

5 BLW ASP 12 5 BOD-10.5, Reused Operational Mostly found 1. Disinfection system of (formerly (may Non-Complying adequate capacity

DLW) STP (23.02.2021) COD-45.7, reach for FC

Ganga

TSS- 19.1

through

TN- 6.13 Assi river)

(23.06.2021)

Note: Compliance status as per Hon'ble NGT order dated 30.04.2019. (pH: 5.5- 9.0; BOD: 10 mg/l; TSS: 20 mg/L; COD: 50 mg/L; Total Nitrogen (TN):

10 mg/L; Total Phosphorus (for discharge into ponds and lakes): 01 mg/L; Faecal Coliform: Desirable limit 100 MPN/100 ml, Permissible limit 230 MPN/100ml)

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Sludge Management Plan

Treatment and disposal of sewage sludge are major factors in the design and operation of all wastewater treatment plants. Two basic goals of treating sludge before final disposal are to reduce its volume and to stabilize the organic materials. Stabilized sludge does not have an offensive odour and can be handled without causing a nuisance or health hazard. Sludge management is an issue of great concern due to its potential threat to human health and the environment with necessitated explicit regulations to organize their production and use. Currently adopted sludge management plan practices as provided by UP Jal Nigam for management of generated sludge is tabled below;

Table 4.15: Sludge management plan for generated STPs sludge Sr Name of Capacity Approximate Disposal of Remarks No. STP (MLD) Generation sludge

of Sludge

(Tonnes/Yr.)

1 Dinapur 80 8250 Being used as Since, removal ingredient of of Nitrogen

2 Dinapur 140 6500 Fertilizer by local and farmers/manufact Phosphorous

ures is not part of

3 Bhagwan 9.8 275 Being used in the design pur Horticulture. process, hence the sludge has

nutritional

value and is

being used as

an ingredient of

fertilizer.

4 Goithaha 120 4350 Being used in Process land fill at design of

various STPs contains

locations. provision for

5 Ramana 50 5200 Proposed to be removal of used in land fill at Nitrogen and STP site itself. Phosphorous, hence

6 Ramnagar 10 740 Proposed to be generated used in land fill at sludge doesn't STP site itself. have

nutrients.

Industrial Pollution Control Industrial Pollution Management

During recent survey, 118 water polluting industries located in Varanasi and Bhadohi having potential to discharge into river Ganga and its tributary Varuna were inventoried which comprised Textile/Yarn (54 units), Sari Printing (33 units), Metal surface treatment (23 units), slaughter houses & meat processing (03 units), food & beverage (03 units) and Heavy engineering & Loco (02). Out of 118, 87 units are from textile/yarn and Sari printing sector.

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Action Plan for prevention of pollution from Textile Cluster

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has formulated the 'Charter for Water Recycling and Pollution Prevention in Textile industries" in consultation with experts from the departments of Chemical Engineering & Technology, IIT (BHU), Textile Engineering Department, IIT Delhi, Polymer and Fiber Technology, IIT Delhi, Fibre and Textile Processing, ICT, Mumbai, UP Textile Technology Institute, Kanpur and Textile industries (Annexure-V).

Charter is based on participatory approach and one of the important objectives of charter is to setup a bench mark for water consumption & optimize the use of water & chemicals in processing. Charter is formulated, with a view to envisage upgradation of the status of textile industries in sustainable manner in terms of process technology upgradation, adoption of best practices, improved environmental performance, substantial reduction in the fresh water consumption and waste water generation, improvement in effluent treatment including tertiary treatment and optimize water recycling. Compliance with the prescribed standards is mandatory. There will be no compromise with regard to the industry not meeting the prescribed standards.

Charter prepared for textile industries was launched in the workshop with the textile units at Kanpur on 05.04.2019. For implementation of Textile Charter to all River Ganga Main Stem GPIs, UPPCB issued direction under section 33A of Water (Prevention and control of Pollution), 1974 on 08.05.2019.

Charter was discussed with textile mills and experts at a workshop organized by Carpet Export Promotion Council at Bhadohi on 6^th August, 2018. A workshop was also organized by UPPCB on implementation of "Charter for water recycling and pollution prevention in Textile industry" was held on 15^th Oct, 2019 at Bhadohi.

As per data available with CPCB, during 2020, there were 31 textile sector GPIs in Bhadohi cluster and out of 31, 22 Textile units have prepared their individual action plan which were reviewed and the suggestions has been communicated to individual unit in the month of March-April, 2020 for implementation of recommendations as per charter.

However, during recent survey 54 yarn/textile and 33 sari printing units have been inventoried in Bhadohi, Jaunpur and Varanasi region in catchment of river Ganga and Varuna. Therefore, it is suggested that charter should be implemented in textile industrial cluster located in catchment of river Ganga and its tributaries in Uttar Pradesh in effective manner which will results in reduction in the fresh water consumption and waste water generation, optimize water recycling and overall improved environmental performance of industrial unit in sustainable manner. A monitoring committee may also be constituted to monitor the implementation status of charter in textile sector in a prescribed time frame.

Solid waste management

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Proper Solid waste treatment system based on Indore or Goa model need to be prepared along with Waste to Energy system. The un-segregated solid waste dumped in open plots or ponds/low lying areas within 500 meter of river Varuna in Varanasi contribute air and ground water pollution. The estimated quantity of legacy waste in this dumping site is approximately 30000 MT. Management of legacy waste having adequate capacities for collecting, transporting and disposing of the municipal solid waste produced on a day-to-day basis as well as legacy waste trapped in the dumpsites is proposed to be done.

Illegal disposal of Construction and demolition waste in floodplain zone of river Varuna and Assi shall be prohibited.

Solid waste management plan of Varanasi City

Varanasi city has an estimated population of 15, 31,458 in 2020 based on projections for population taking 2011 population as base. Owing to its rich tourism potential, the estimated daily flow of tourists and pilgrims to the city is 25,000. The total area within Varanasi Nagar Nigam (VNN) is 82.1 km square for 90 wards and 86 more Villages have been merged with VNN area of 195 Sq km. The average waste generation of Varanasi is 0.400 kg per capita per day. The city at present generates 600 MT (Approx.) of waste per day at the rate of

0.400 Kg per capita per day and decadal population growth of 2.67 per Year (as per trend of rate of population growth in last 10 year:

2001-2011)

Table 4.16: Population Projection and waste generation for Varanasi City

Year House Hold Population Waste generation MT/Day (approx) @

400 gm per capita

per day

The Government of India published the Solid Waste Management

Rules, 2016, the Rules are now applicable beyond Municipal areas

and extend to urban agglomerations, census towns, notified

industrial townships, etc.

Administrative setup for MSW Management in Varanasi

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The area falling under Varanasi Municipal Corporation is currently divided into 5 zones and 14 Subzone and 90 wards for administrative purposes and 86 newly merged villages. The details are annexed as Annexure VII.

 Currently there are no 100% door to door collections in 90 wards

of Varanasi. Most of the households, shops, and establishments

throw their waste just outside their premises, on streets, in drains,

in open spaces, in water bodies, and in other inappropriate places.

 These litters swept away by street sweeping and lifted by means

of handcart or rickshaw trolley by Sweepers and waste collectors

of VNN, this led to unsanitary condition across the city.

 Varanasi Nagar Nigam outsourced M/s Varanasi Waste solution

Pvt. Ltd. For door to door collection in 90 wards, mechanized road

Sweeping approx.. 22.1 km. daily basis (Sant. Athulananda to

BHU) and toilet cleaning work of Varanasi.

 Apart from door to door collection three Ngo's named Anthill

Services Pvt. Ltd; career consulting pvt. Ltd, Jan Vikas Kalyan

Samiti; Engage for IEC activities for sanitation awareness in their

respective wards.

 The length of roads, streets, lanes, bye-lens in the city is

approximately 1200 km in the total and approx. length of drains

2400 km area within Varanasi Nagar Nigam of 82.1 km square.

Street sweeping starts between 8:00 AM and continues up to 2:00

PM.

The detailed action plan for MSW management in Varanasi city is enclosed as Annexure-VII

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Encroachment

Removal of encroachment from lower floodplain zone of river Varuna and Assi. Demarcation and notification of floodplain zone by introducing pillars to further prevent encroachment in River Varuna and Assi.

Monitoring Committee a. Supervisory Committee - It may supervise the implementation of proposed action plan for restoration and rejuvenation of River Varuna and Assi. The committee may consist of representative from District Magistrate, Varanasi Vikash Pradhikaran, Irrigation Department, Forest Department, Municipal Corporation, UP Jal Nigam, Urban Development Department, NMCG, UPPCB and CPCB under the chairmanship of Commissioner of Varanasi division, meeting to be held on quarterly basis.

b. Execution Committee - The committee may responsible for execution of proposed action plan for restoration and rejuvenation of River Varuna and Assi. The committee may consist Varanasi Vikash Pradhikaran, Irrigation Department, Forest Department, Municipal Corporation, UP Jal Nigam, Urban Development Department, SMCG and SPCB under the chairmanship of District Magistrate of concerned district, meeting to be held on monthly basis."

5. The report shows that there are serious issues adversely affecting rivers Varuna and Assi calling for remedial action in the form of desilting, remediation of waste water, development of constructed wetland systems and bio-diversity parks, apart from management of sewage, industrial pollution and solid waste which requires concerted and continuing steps and monitoring.

6. Since the issues and remedial steps have been identified by the joint Committee and exhaustive recommendations for remedial action made, there is need for execution of the action plan at the ground level in the light of above report. This requires coordination among the concerned departments including the Local Bodies, District Administration and State Government.

7. Accordingly, the Supervisory and Execution Committees suggested in the report may take further action. In terms of suggestions of the

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Committee, problem of chocking at the origin point of said rivers may be remedied by taking restoration measures. The execution Committee may meet atleast once in a month under the Chairmanship of District Magistrate, Varanasi and the Supervisory Committee may meet on quarterly basis under the Chairmanship of Commissioner, Varanasi Division, as suggested. The District Magistrate as well as Commissioner, Varanasi Division may have full time environmental coordinators attached to them directly for this purpose either out of the existing incumbents or by specially engaging a suitable person for the task. It will be appropriate that minutes of the meeting of the District Magistrate as well as Commissioner, Varanasi are placed on their respective websites, which may enable public information and participation. Having regard to the significance of the issue and need for prompt action for keeping the important rivers pollution free, the timelines need to be shortened which aspect may be considered by the Execution and the Supervisory Committees. We request the Oversight Committee constituted by this Tribunal headed by Justice S.V.S. Rathore, former Judge of the Allahabad High Court to oversee the steps taken in the matter, if necessary, by periodically interacting with the Execution and Supervisory Committees.

8. We further direct the NMCG and CPCB to monitor progress of implementation of action plan in accordance with the Namami Gange project.

9. The action plan may be placed on the website of CPCB and also circulated by CPCB to the River Rejuvenation Committees of all the States/UTs through respective State PCBs/PCCs, for appropriate consideration of their respective action plans to the extent found necessary.

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10. The issue of funding of the projects proposed may be worked by the NMCG and the Chief Secretary, UP and wherever Namami Gange funds are found inadequate, it will be the responsibility of the State of UP to provide the same.

The application is disposed of.

A copy of this order be forwarded to CPCB, NMCG, Chief Secretary, UP, Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation Department, UP, State PCB and District Magistrate and Commissioner, Varanasi Division by e-mail for compliance.

A copy of this order be also provided to all other concerned departments by the Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation Department, UP. A copy of this order be also forwarded to Justice S.V.S. Rathore, former Judge of the Allahabad High Court by e-mail. Adarsh Kumar Goel, CP

Sudhir Agarwal, JM

Dr. Nagin Nanda, EM

November 23, 2021

Original Application No. 128/2021

DV

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