SAURABH TIWARI v. UNION OF INDIA

2. The OA No. 310/2022 was registered on the basis of the letter petition raising the concern about environmental pollution in river Ganga due to discharge of sewage and incomplete work of laying of sewer- line/pipeline and inadequate steps to meet the requirement of fresh water in river Ganga and Yamuna in the forthcoming Kumbh Mela.

3. The MA No. 59/2024 has been registered on the basis of the report submitted by the joint Committee in pursuance to the order of the NGT dated 18.01.2024 passed in OA No. 56/2024. In the OA, the grievance was raised about the quality of water of river Ganga in Sangam Prayagraj and discharge of sewage from 50 drains after Rasulabad till Sangam, especially with reference to the forthcoming Kumbh Mela. The OA was disposed of by the Tribunal by order dated 18.01.2024 forming a joint Committee and with the direction to the joint Committee to ascertain the correct factual position, truthfulness of the allegations made in the OA and take appropriate remedial action. There was a further direction to the joint Committee to submit the action taken report before the Registrar General of the Tribunal and it was observed that if it is found necessary, the matter will be listed for consideration before the Tribunal.

4. In pursuance to the aforesaid direction, the joint Committee through the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) had filed the report on 26.04.2024 disclosing the gaps and short comings noticed by that during the inspection the joint Committee had found that out of 76 drains, 37 drains were tapped by the UP Jal Nigam and after treatment from 10 STP, the discharge is made in river Ganga and Yamuna. The report further stated about the proposed 3 STPs at Rajapur (90 MLD), Naini-1 (50 MLD) and Salori (43 MLD) for treating the sewage of untapped drains in forthcoming Kumbh Mela. It was stated in the report that from 5 places everyday water samples are collected from river Yamuna and

2

Ganga. Since the gaps were reflected in the report, therefore, the MA was registered and listed before the Tribunal.

5. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had filed the report dated 09.09.2024 in the MA No. 59/2024 disclosing the status of the drains discharging in Prayagraj District as follows:

"xxx …………………………………..xxx………………..…………………xxx

8. That, with respect to the drains discharging in Prayagraj district, following is submitted:

i. As per the latest data available, the monitoring of total 59 drains discharging in Prayagraj district as per the inventory was carried out by CPCB during pre-monsoon 2023 (May 22, 2023 to June 23, 2023). The status of total 59 drains discharging from Prayagraj is annexed herewith as Annexure

IV.

ii. Out of total 59 drains, 27 drains confluence with River Ganga, 20 drains confluence with River Yamuna and 12 drains confluence with River Mansahaita. The tabular details are as follows:

iii. Out of these 59 drains, 58 drains are domestic drains and carry only domestic wastewater, 01 drain namely Ghaghar Nala, Harshvardhan Nagar is a mixed drain and carry both domestic wastewater and industrial effluent. The analysis of water quality in Ghaghar Nala showed Color-50 Hazen, BOD-

36.5 mg/l and COD-135 mg/l.

iv. The analysis of water quality in Maniya Drain (domestic drain) showed Color-100 Hazen, BOD-368 mg/l and COD- 582 mg/l which carries domestic sewage from Mungari and nearby areas and cremation wastes. This indicates high contribution of pollution into river Ganga through Maniya Drain. However, other drains of Prayagraj district show the BOD. range from 7.6-135 mg/l and COD range from 31.9-300 mg/l.

v. Interim remedial measures were found adopted in 21 drains, out of which 11. drains confluence with river Ganga, 04 drains confluence with river Yamuna and 06 drains confluence with river Mansahaita. However, non-operational non-functional interim remediation measure (bio-remediation

3

system) in 02 drains namely, Nehru Drain/Nehru Park Nala and Ghaghar Nala, Sadiyapur were observed."

6. The CPCB in its report dated 09.09.2024 has disclosed the four locations where manual water quality monitoring of river Ganga is done under the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme on fortnight basis as under:

"6. That, with respect to the river Ganga water quality it is submitted as follows:

i. The manual water quality monitoring of river Ganga is carried out at 04 locations under National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWMP) in the stretch passing through district Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on fortnightly basis by Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB).

ii. The 04 locations are namely, a. Prayagraj, Rasoolabad b. Prayagraj downstream, Sangam e. Before confluence with Tamas river & d. After confluence with Tamas river, Sirsa"

7. The UPPCB had filed the report on 20.09.2024 disclosing the details of sewage generation in Prayagraj Nagar Nigam as under:

"xxx …………………………….xxx………………………………………xxx

1. Project Manager, Ganga Pollution Control Unit, U.P. Jal Nigam (Rural), Prayagraj has informed that presently total sewage generation in Prayagraj city through 81 nos. drains and sewerage network is about 468.28 MLD out of which 394.48 MLD sewage is treated through existing 10 STP's. Total gap in treatment capacity is

128.28 MLD. Details of sewage generation & gap analysis is being attached as Annexure-01 and 02 to this response.

2. The Project Manager, Ganga Pollution Control Unit, U.P. Jal Nigam (Rural), Prayagraj has informed regarding tapped & untapped drains joining River Ganga & Yamuna in Prayagraj Nagar Nigam, Prayagraj. Details of tapped drains & untapped drains joining River Ganga & Yamuna is being attached as Annexure-03 and 04 to this response.

3. The Project Manager has also informed regarding action plan for treatment of remaining waste water through 03 additional STPs with total capacity of 183 MLD to fulfill the gap in sewage generation and treatment, along with tapping of untapped drains in Prayagraj Nagar Nigam, Prayagraj. A project for Onsite Treatment of Drains to treat the waste water of those untapped drains whose completion time for Gange Programme is going beyond Mahakumbh-2025 period, of Rs

4

55.57 crores, sanctioned by NMCG, New Delhi on 24.7.2024 will be executed by Nagar Nigam, Prayagarj/UP Jal Nigam (Urban), to maintain river water quality for the pilgrimage. The details of 03 additional STPs and above sanctioned project is Annexed as Annexure-05 to this response.

4. The officials of the UPPCB, Prayagraj have inspected the site of the 40 untapped drains i.e. 25 drains meeting to River Ganga & 15 drains meeting to River Yamuna at Prayagraj on 30.07.2024 & 31.07.2024."

8. The above report revealed that untreated sewage through the untapped drains was flowing into the river and there was a gap in the generation and treatment of sewage. The status of the 10 STPs in Prayagraj mentioned in the report was as follows:

" Sl. Name of Design Year of Technology Status Name of Recipient aquatic No. STP Capacity commence Agency for body of treated ment operation of sewage

(MLD)

STPs

UP Jal Nigam Directly

01 Nalnl 80 2021 ASP Operational (Rural) discharging into River Yamuna

UP Jal Nigam Directly

discharging Into

42 2023 (Rural)

02 Nalni FCR Operational River Yamuna Directly Discharging

50 Blo-Tower Operational UP Jal Nigam

03 Numayadahi 2020 into River Yamuna and ASP (Rural) UP Jal Nigam Directly Discharging

04 Salon 29 2020 FAB Operational (Rural) into River Ganga UP Jal Directly discharging

Nigam

05 Salori 14 2016 SBR Operational into River Ganga (Urban)

UP Jal Nigam Directly discharging

06 Rajapur 60 2021 UASB Operational (Rural) into River Ganga. Bio-Tower UP Jal Nigam Directly discharging

07 Kodra 25 2020 and ASP Operational (Rural) into River Ganga. Bio-Tower UP Jal Nigam Directly

08 Ponghat 10 2020 and ASP Operational (Rural) discharging into

River Ganga

UP Jal Nigam Directly

(Rural) discharging into 09 Phaphamau 14 2023 FCR Operational River Ganga UP Jal Nigam Directly

10 Jhunsi 16 2023 FCR Operational (Rural) discharging into River Ganga

"

5

9. The UPPCB in its report dated 20.09.2024 had the following five sample points:

" Sl. No. Location of Date of Parameters

Sampling point sample collection

pH D.0. B.O.D. C.O.D. Total Feacal (mg/l) (mg/i) (mg/I) Colif Coliform orm (MPN/10

(MPN ml)

/100

ml)

1 River Ganga 450 Upstream Near Fatehpur Ghat, 30.07.2024 8.11 7.9 2.5 8.0 1300 Prayagraj

2 River Ganga 930 Downstream

near Shastri 30.07.2024 8.25 7.6 2.8 12.0 1700 bridge,

Prayagraj

3 River Ganga at 610 Sangam, 30.07.2024 8.17 7.7 2.7 10.0 1500 Prayagraj

4 River Ganga 2.9 13.0 2100 780 Downstream

after

confluence

with River 30.07.2024 8.13 7.5 Yamuna near

Chhatnag

Ghat,

Prayagraj

5 River Yamuna 8.07 7.8 2.6 8.8 1300 610 at Sarswati

Ghat, 30.07.2024

Prayagraj

Standards 3.0 500

mg/I or MPN/100

Primary Water Quality Criteria less - ml for bathing water (water used - ( Desirable) for organized outdoor bathing) 5.0 2500 Betwee

mg/ MPN/100

6.5-

I or ml

8.5

more (Maximum permissible)

"

10. In the aforesaid background, the Tribunal by order dated 09.12.2024 had granted time to the State of UP to place on record the comprehensive sewage management system/plan prepared by the authorities in Prayagraj keeping in view the existing load and expected increased load during the Maha Kumbh 2025.

11. The affidavit of the Principal Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, State of UP dated 13.12.2024, has been

6

filed in compliance with the order dated 09.12.2024. This affidavit discloses the present status of the generation and treatment of sewage, the expected increase on account of influx during the Maha Kumbh Mela, the current status of flow in the drains and expected increase and the steps that have been taken to ensure the prevention of discharge of untreated sewage in river Ganga and Yamuna in District Prayagraj. The latest affidavit of the Principal Secretary, Environment discloses the status of sewage generation and treatment as under:

"xxx ……………………………..xxx………………………………………..xxx

4. That the UP Jal Nigam (Rural) has informed that in presently

471.90 MLD Sewage is generated in Prayagraj (293.59 MLD through drains and 178.31 MLD through Sewer Network). As per topographical condition city has been divided into 8 Sewerage District. A copy of detailed report submitted by the U.P. Jal Nigam (Rural) is being annexed herewith and marked as Annexure R-1. District wise Sewage Generation Details are as under: -

Details of Sewage Generation Nos. of Drains Source of Sewage Generation Total

Untapped

S. Sewerage Untapped Flow Sewerage (tapping Tapped Untapped No. district Tapped (to be Total Received Network Total is not Drains Drains

tapped) at STP (Col. 7 -

Required)

Col. 8)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

1 A 3 8 2 13 106.30 29.94 3.65 76.36 109.95

2 B 5 0 0 5 57.04 47.18 0.00 9.86 57.04

3 C 2 13 0 15 51.25 33.09 13.24 18.16 64.49

4 D 7 7 0 14 73.88 27.20 45.32 46.68 119.20

5 E 2 3 0 5 41.30 21.07 4.42 20.23 45.72

6 F 2 1 1 4 16.33 9.31 1.19 7.02 17.52

7 G 7 7 1 15 36.76 36.76 8.37 0.00 45.13

8 Jhunsi 9 0 1 10 11.62 11.62 1.22 0.00 12.84

Total 37 39 5 81 394.48 216.17 77.42 178.31 471.90 Hence, Total Sewage Generation in City by 81 Nos. Drains +

471.90 MLD

sewerage network

5. That During Mahakumbh-2025 due to floating population, the sewage generation is estimated to be increased by 10% of the present flow. The expected flow during Mahakumbh is estimated based on increase in flow during previous Magh Mela period. The projected flow may be around 519.09 MLD (322.95 MLD through drains and 196.14 MLD through Sewer Network.

6. That the treatment of flow during Mahakumbh- 2025 shall be done in following manner:

7

a. At existing STPs 450.68 MLD b. Through onsite treatment- 68.41 MLD

Status of Drains

7. That there are total 81 drains joining Ganga & Yamuna River out of which 37 drains are tapped into existing STPs while 44 drains are untapped. The name, tapping status, tapping plan for untapped, present flow & expected flow of all the drains during Mahakumbh- 2025 are tabulated below: -

(A) Tapped drains joining river Ganga & Yamuna

8

(B) Untapped drains joining river Ganga & Yamuna Expected Name of

flow STP at

Current

Sr. during which flow

Name of Drain River Flow Remarks

No. Mahakum to be

(MLD)

bh Diverted & (MLD) treated

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Dariyabad Kakahraghat In view of

1 Yamuna 2.113 2.32 50 MLD

Drain Meerapur upcoming

Naini-III

Mahakum (LOA has bh-2025 been issued flow of

to the firm on these

dated

drains

25.11.2024

shall be and

2 Dariyabad Pipalghat Drain Yamuna 0.120 0.13 pumped execution

into

work shall be

existing

completed in

Bargad

16 months

Ghat SPS

from date of

and same

start.)

shall be

9

Expected Name of flow STP at Current

Sr. during which flow Name of Drain River Flow Remarks No. Mahakum to be

(MLD)

bh Diverted & (MLD) treated

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

treated at

80 MLD

Naini-I STP for which work is being done by UP Jal Nigam (Urban) and this is expected that work shall be commissi oned by

31.12.202

4.

3 Salori Drain (Partialy) Ganga 8.783 9.66 In view of upcoming

4 Shivkuti Drain No. 1 Ganga 1.192 1.31 Mahakum bh-2025

5 Shivkuti Drain No. 2 Ganga 0.162 0.18 flow of these

Shivkuti Drain No. 3

6 Ganga 0.218 0.24 Under drains (North) Constructio shall be

7 Shivkuti Drain No. 4 Ganga 0.278 0.31 n 43 MLD treated

Salori through

8 Shivkuti Drain No. 5 Ganga 0.320 0.35 onsite (Current method

9 Shivkuti Drain No. 6 Ganga 0.275 0.30 progress of i.e., Shivkuti Drain No. 7 work is 30% Advance

10 Ganga 0.767 0.84 (East) and as per Oxidation Govindpur Colony Drain schedule, Process/G

11 Ganga 0.218 0.24 (Purani Basti) work shall be eo Govindpur Colony Drain commissione Synthetic

12 Ganga 0.275 0.30 No. 1 d by August, Dewaterin Govindpur Colony Drain 2025) g Tube

13 Ganga 0.323 0.36 No. 2 Modular Govindpur Colony Drain Dosing

14 Ganga 0.162 0.18 No. 3 System/G eo Tube

Govindpur Colony Drain

15 Ganga 0.271 0.30 Method No. 4 for which

16 Jondhwal Drain Ganga 6.753 7.43 Under work is

Constructio being

17 Shankarghat Drain -01 Ganga 0.444 0.49 n 90 MLD done by

Rajapur UP Jal

18 Shankarghat Drain -02 Ganga 0.946 1.04 (Current Nigam progress of (Urban)

A.D.A. Colony Drain /

19 Ganga 4.277 4.70 work is 6% and this is Jwaladevi and as per expected Shankarghat Colony schedule, that work

20 Drain (Near Phaphamau Ganga 0.951 1.05 work shall be shall be Bridge) commissione commissi

29.88 d by oned by 21 Rajapur Drain Ganga 27.166 February, 31.12.202

10

Expected Name of flow STP at Current

Sr. during which flow Name of Drain River Flow Remarks No. Mahakum to be

(MLD)

bh Diverted & (MLD) treated

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

2026) 4

22 Sadar Bazar Drain Ganga 4.787 5.27

23 Nehru Park Nala Ganga 2.719 2.99 01 Drain has been

tapped

and under

trial & run

while 01

25 MLD

Drain will Kodra

24 Yadavpur drain Ganga 0.651 0.72 be tapped by

31.12.202

4 by UP Jal Nigam (Urban) Dariyabad Jogighat Drain

25 Yamuna 0.510 0.56 For

Meerapur tapping of these

26 Balua ghat JCC Backside Yamuna 0.150 0.17 drains

Drain near Chachar work is

27 Drain/Bargad Ghat Yamuna 0.190 0.21 under Meerapur progress

Ghaghar Drain 1-A / 0.29 by UP Jal 28 Yamuna 0.260 Sadiyapur Drain 80 MLD Nigam

29 Ghaghar Drain 1-A1 Yamuna 0.210 0.23 Naini-I (Rural) and this is

expected

that work

shall be

Ghaghar Drain 1-

30 Yamuna 0.100 0.11 commissi B/Harshvardhan Drain oned by

31.12.202

4.

The work is under Indira Awas Drain / Jai 14 MLD trial & run

31 Ganga 1.190 1.31 Gurudev Ashram Drain Phaphamau since

04.12.202

4

Mahewa Pasi Tola Drain

32 Yamuna 0.720 0.79 No. 1

Mahewa Pasi Tola Drain

33 Yamuna 0.410 0.45 No. 2 The work Mahewa Pasi Tola Drain 0.68 42 MLD is under 34 Yamuna 0.620 No. 3 Naini-II trial & run

Mahewa Pasi Tola Drain

35 Yamuna 0.310 0.34 since

No. 4 04.12.202 Mahewa Pasi Tola Drain

36 Yamuna 0.410 0.45

4

No. 5 3 small drain near 80 MLD

37 Yamuna 2.111 2.32 mahewa ghat Naini-I The work

is under

38 Baretha/Kashipur Ganga 1.050 1.16

10 MLD trial & run Ponghat since

28.11.202

4

11

1. Work plan & its status for tapping/treatment of Untapped drains joining river Ganga & Yamuna

S. Action Plan Nos Dischar Proposed Current

No. of ge STP (MLD) Progress

drain (MLD)

s

1 2 3 4 5 6

A Projects Sanctioned under Namami Gange Programme

(i) Interception and Diversion of 7 Drains and 7 45.32 90 6% Augmentation of Rajapur STP Capacity by 90 MLD- The work is awarded and is under

progress. Date of start is 24.08.2024 and Date of Completion is 23.02.2026.

(ii) Interception and Diversion of 13 Drains and 13 13.24 43 30% Augmentation of Salori STP Capacity by 43

MLD - The work is awarded and is under

progress. Date of start is 19.03.2024 and Date of Completion is 18.08.2025.

(iii) Interception and Diversion of 02 Drains and 2 2.24 50 LOA has Augmentation of Naini-1 STP Capacity by 50 been MLD- For Execution of work E-Tender was issued to invited, which Technical Bid Evaluation Report the firm on is under review. The execution work shall be dated completed in 16 months from date of start. 25.11.202

4

Sub Total - A 22 60.80 183 Not Project mentioned above in Sr. No. (i), (ii) & (iii) will not be completed before

12

S. Action Plan Nos Dischar Proposed Current No. of ge STP (MLD) Progress

drain (MLD)

s

1 2 3 4 5 6

e Mahakumbh-2025 so a separate project is sanctioned by National Mission for Clean Ganga, New Delhi for onsite treatment of these untapped drains. The work is under progress in supervision of U.P. Jal Nigam (Urban). The work will be commissioned by

31.12.2024

B Projects Sanctioned under Mahakumbh - 2025 Programme

Sr. Description Nos. Flow in Name of Current No. of MLD STP on Progress

Drain which

Treatment

shall be

done

1 Interception and Diversion of 02 drains:- The 2 3.37 25 MLD 90% work is under progress by UPJN (Urban). 01 Kodra STP

Drain has been tapped and under trial run while 01 Drain will be tapped by

31.12.2024

2 Interception and Diversion of Jai Guru Dev 1 1.19 16 MLD Work is drain Phaphamau under

STP trial & run.

3 Interception and Diversion of 6 no. drains of 5 3.38 42 MLD Work is Mahewa, 4.14 MLD & 1.83 MLD SPS Naini-II STP under

1 1.20 80 MLD trial &

Naini-I run.

4 Interception and Diversion of Madauka drain & 1 3.62 42 MLD Work is

4.71 MLD SPS Naini-II STP under trial &

run.

5 Interception and Diversion of Kashipur drain & 1 1.05 10 MLD Work is

1.52 MLD SPS Ponghat STP under trial &

run.

6 Interception and Diversion of 6 no. drains of 6 1.42 80 MLD 51% Baluaghat area & 1.75 MLD SPS: - The work is Naini-I STP under progress. Drains will be tapped by

31.12.2024.

Sub Total - B 17 15.23

Total (A+B) 39 76.03

8. That from the perusal of the above-mentioned table it is evident that work of 10 out of 17 drains is under trial run while balance 7 drains shall be commissioned by 31.12.2024.

9. That there are 10 STP's which have been installed in Prayagraj Nagar Nigam. Out of these, 9 STP's are being operated & maintained by M/s Prayagraj Water Private Ltd. under Supervision of UP Jal Nigam (Rural) & 1 STP is being operated & maintained by M/s Toshiba Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. under Supervision of UP Jal Nigam (Urban). That the details of Details of STP's utilization capacity and their functioning is being mentioned as under:

13

10. That the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) vide its report dated 12.12.2024 has informed that all 9 STP's at Prayagraj are functioning as per prescribed norms. However, one STP (16 MLD Jhunsi) was non- operational due to flood. This non-operational STP is now made operational and is under stabilization and can be made fully operational after the completion of river front works which is being under taken by the Irrigation Department. The UPPCB has further informed the report of last six months of the functioning of the STP's and its capacity. Report of water samples which have been collected at River Yamuna and Ganga by the board has also been mentioned in the report. A copy of report submitted by the UPPCB is annexed herewith and marked as Annexure R-2.

11. For all STPs installed in Uttar Pradesh, the compliance status is being monitored by Accountability Assessment Committee (formed as per the direction of Hon'ble NGT) chaired by Principal Secretary, Namami Gange & Rural Water Supply, GoUP has issued the directions to the all non-complaint and non-operational STPs in UP. The last meeting was held on 11.09.2024. On the basis of report by UPPCB, directions have been issued to the respective departments

14

for taking corrective measures for non- complaint STPs on 06.11.2024 by State Mission for Clean Ganga.

12. That in view of maintaining the river water quality during upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025 and to ensure the quality of treated effluent of STPs, monitoring is being done in following manner:

Testing in In-house lab on daily basis

Testing by UPPCB on weekly basis

Supervision by Third Party Agency of NMCG, New Delhi. Through OCEMS.

Separate work order has also been issued to MNNIT, Prayagraj for collection and testing of river quality at upstream of River Ganga, Yamuna and treated effluent of STPs shall be done during entire Maha Kumbh period.

13. In view of Mahakumbh-2025 it has been ensured that sufficient stock of chemical i.e., Chlorine, FeCl3, Poly, Lime, Defoamer etc., shall be available at all the STP's as well as additional man power will be deployed considering additional population during Mahakumbh-2025.

14. That the UP Jal Nigam (Urban) has informed that the remediation of which drains to be clubbed in the untapped drain para mentioned previously. 22 untapped drains within the Municipal Corporation Prayagraj is being done by geosynthetic dewatering tubes filtration followed by Advanced Oxidation Process. That the Project for Remediation of Untapped Drains has been duly approved by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) vide AAES No- Pr- 12012/4/2024-0/0 Project Development (UP) NMCG Dated 24.07.2024. A copy of office order issued dated 24.07.2024 by National Mission for Clean Ganga is being annexed herewith and marked as Annexure R-3.

15. That remediation/treatment of 22 untapped drains will be carried out by UP Jal Nigam (Urban) as executing Agency during Maha Kumbh Mela Period. That out of 22 drains, drains mentioned at Serial No 1 to 20 are proposed to be treated by geosynthetic dewatering tubes followed by Advanced Oxidation Process and Remaining two drains i.e., at serial No 21 and 22 will be temporarily intercepted & diverted by blocking the drains through Geosynthetic Bags and Pumping it to 25 MLD Bargadghat Sewage Pumping Station through Pumps. Sewage from Bargadghat SPS goes to 80 MLD STP Naini for Treatment. A copy of chart showing 22 untapped drains and their treatment capacity is being annexed herewith and marked as Annexure R-4.

16. That above-mentioned treatment methodology will employ a multi-stage advanced oxidation-based ozonisation process to improve water quality efficiently. The proposed methodology includes initial filtration, chemical dosing, and final ozonisation for comprehensive treatment. A copy of treatment methodology which is being used for treatment is being annexed herewith and marked as Annexure R-5.

15

17. That During Kumbh Mela 2019 following 05 Untapped Drains were treated through Geosynthetic Dewatering Tubes Filtration Methodology followed by Disinfection through Chlorination:-

(i) Rajapur Drain

(ii) Arail Bridge Drain

(iii) Salori Drain

(iv) Loteyharan Drain

(v) Mawaiya Drain The Influent and Effluent Parameters of the aforesaid Drains were regularly Tested by CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicological Research, Lucknow which was nominated as Third Party Agency by State Mission for Clean Ganga, Lucknow. A copy of test reports conducted by CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicological Research, Lucknow is being annexed herewith and marked as Annexure R-6.

18. That it is most respectfully submitted that as per the samples collected by the CSIR during 2019 Kumbh Mela, the treated effluents of above drains treated through Geosynthetic Dewatering Tubes Filtration Methodology followed by Disinfection through Chlorination Conformed to standards of treated effluent for BOD, COD,TSS and PH but did not conform to treated effluent standards for Total Coliform and Feacal Coliform. Since the treated effluents did not conform with the parameters of total coliform and fecal coliform, therefore the Advanced Oxidation Process (Ozonization) has been proposed for Treatment of Untapped Drains during Maha Kumbh 2025 so that Treated Effluent Meets Standard for Total Coliform and Feacal Coliform."

12. The affidavit of the Principal Secretary, Environment discloses the following action plan to manage excess sewage generation during the mela:-

"19. That it is most respectfully submitted that the District Administration Prayagraj has prepared an action plan to manage the excess sewage which will be generated during the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025 which is as follows:

ACTION PLAN TO HANDLE EXCESS SEWAGE THAT WILL BE

GENERATED DURING MAHA KUMBH MELA PERIOD

16

02 nos 02 nos ADA Colony/ 02 Nos

2 Site 02 4.277 8.5 MLD (01W+01S) (01W+01S) Jwala devi Drain (1W+1S)

12.5 HP 25 HP

3 Jondhwal Drain Shankar Ghat

4

Drain 01 03 nos 03 nos 3 Nos Shankar Ghat Site 03 9.094 (2W+1S) (2W+1S) 5 13.60 MLD (2W+1S)

Drain 02 12.5 HP 25 HP

Shankar Ghat

6

Drain 03 03 nos 02 nos Sadar Bazar 3 Nos

7 Site 04 4.787 7.17 MLD (2W+1S) (2W+1S) Drain (2W+1S)

12.5 HP 25 HP

8 Shivkuti Drain 05 2 nos 2 nos

9 Shivkuti Drain 06 2 No Site 05 1.362 2.72 MLD (1W+1S) (1W+1S) Shivkuti Drain (1W+1S)

10 12.5 HP 25 HP

east 07

Salori Drain

11

Partially Govindpur Colony

12

purani basti Govindpur Colony

13

01

Govindpur Colony

14

02 03 nos 05 nos (04 5 Nos Govindpur Colony Site 06 11.882 24 MLD (2 W+1S) W+1S) 15 (3W+2S)

03 12.5 HP 25 HP

Govindpur Colony

16

04

17 Shivkuti Drain 01

18 Shivkuti Drain 02

19 Shivkuti Drain 03

20 Shivkuti Drain 04 03 nos 04 nos

Sasur Khedari

21 Site 07 10.95 20 MLD 3 N os (02W+1S) (03 W+1S) River

25 HP 12.5 HP

Dariyabad 3 nos Not

22 Kakaraghat Site 08 2.483 5 MLD Not Required (2W+1S) Required

Drain Mira Pur 15 HP

12 nos

Dariyabad Not

23 Site 09 0.12 02 MLD Not Required (1W+1S) Pipalghat Drain Required

5 HP

TOTAL 72.121 MLD 124.99 MLD

20. That from the above-mentioned chart it is evident that the Treatment Units being set up for Treatment of Drains will be able to treat upto 125.00 MLD Sewage Flow which is approximately 55 MLD more than the present dry weather discharge of the drains. Hence, the Treatment Units being set up will be able to cater the additional sewage Discharge during Maha Kumbh 2025.

21. That as a long term measure, the domestic sewer connection are being made with the sewer line so that the Sewage will flow in close system not through drains. The Municipal Corporation in District Prayagraj has been divided into eight sewerage Districts. Below is the chart showing the Details of Sewerage Network and Domestic Sewer House Connections in Municipal Corporation Prayagraj.

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Action Plan for Providing Sewer House Connections at Existing Sewer line

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22. That at present, there is requirement of Laying 2100.53 Km Sewerage Network and 143024 Nos. of Domestic Sewer House Connection under Nagar Nigam, Prayagraj. For 100 wards of Nagar Nigam Prayagraj (including extended areas) which are densely populated the following proposals have been made in City Water Action plan of AMRUT 2.0 below is the chart showing the GAP Analysis in sewerage network and house connection action plan.

a) Sewerage Network and Sewer House Connection Scheme in Sewerage District A, B, C and D of Prayagraj City-Rs 350.00 Cr

b) Sewerage Network and Sewer House Connection Scheme in Sewerage District-G Naini and Naini Extended Area of Nagar Nigam Prayagraj -Rs 382.80

c) Sewerage Network and Sewer House Connection Scheme in Sewerage District-J Jhusi and Jhunsi Extended Area Nagar Nigam Prayagraj -Rs 364.00 Cr

d) Sewerage Network and Sewer House Connection Scheme in Sewerage District F Phaphamau and Phaphamau Extended Area of Nagar Nigam Prayagraj -Rs 350.00 Cr

e) Sewerage Network and Sewer House Connection Scheme in Jhalwa, Bamhrauli and Pipalgaon Extended Area Nagar Nigam Prayagraj -Rs 425.00 Cr

All the above 05 projects are under process for approval by the State level technical committee (SLTC) and State High Power Steering Committee (SHPSC) for Preparation of Detail Project Report.

For Scarcely populated extended areas of Nagar Nigam Prayagraj, treatment of faecal sludge /Septage will be done at following Feacal Sludge Co-Treatment Plants constructed/under construction at existing Sewage Treatment facilities are as under-

(i) 100 KLD Faecal Sludge (Co-Treatment) Plant at Naini. (Under Construction)- Under Trial and Run

(ii) 50 KLD Faecal Sludge (Co-Treatment) Plant at Jhunsi. (Under Construction)- Under Trial and Run

(iii) 50 KLD Faecal Sludge (Co-Treatment) Plant at Salori- Operational."

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13. So far as the septage management during the Maha Kumbh in the mela area is concerned, the affidavit discloses as under:

"Mela Area Septage Management During Mahakumbh-2025:-

Mahakumbh Mela Area is usually divided into 25 Sectors as per Administrative Requirement as given below:-

1) Sector 1 & 2 on west side of Beni Bandh in Parade Area.

2) Sector 3 & 4 on the eastern side of Beni bandh on the banks of River Ganga and Yamuna

3) Sector 5 and Sector 10 to 22 on eastern bank of River Ganga towards Jhunsi side

4) Sector 23 to 25 on Arail side

5) Sector 06 to 09 on western bank of River Ganga from Nagvasuki Temple towards Phaphamau side.

 Maximum Expected Population in Maha Kumbh Mela area on peak /bathing day = 50000000.00

 Total Feacal Sludge Generation (MLD) = (50000000 x 120)/ (365 x1000000) = 16.44 MLD

 Permanent population (Kalpvasis / pilgrims) expected in Mela area = 50,00,000.00

 Quantity of Grey water (BOD Less than 100) Generated per day = (5000000.00 X 50)/1000000 = 250 MLD

 The Feacal sludge Generated in Mela Area from Toilets is transported through cesspool vehicles and treated at Existing Permanent STPs in the city and Temporary STPs usually constructed in Mela Area.

 The Grey waste water (BOD Less than 100) generated from washing hands, Kitchen etc. having very less BOD is collected in various ponds (Approx 75 Nos, Average 03 Nos in each sector) constructed in mela area and the treatment is done by Bioremediation method to make the mela vicinity odour free. Sectors in which Sewerage Network is available in nearby vicinity, Grey water is discharged into Sewers."

14. In respect of the grey water treatment, it has been disclosed in the affidavit that:

"24. That approximately 200 Km Drainage is being laid in Mela Area for efficient disposal of Grey water generated in Mela Area. The Grey waste water (BOD Less than 100) generated from washing hands, kitchen etc. having very less BOD is collected in various ponds (Approx 75 Nos, Average 03 Nos in each sector) constructed in

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mela area and the treatment is done by Bioremediation method to make the mela vicinity odour free. Sectors in which Sewerage Network is available in nearby vicinity, Grey water is discharged into Sewers. The ponds are constructed in Mela Area by Carrying out Excavation and Covering the Excavated portion with 150 Micron HDPE line in order to prevent infiltration of Grey water into the Ground. Bioremediation Units are Installed and Treatment is carried out using biological Enzymes and Microbes providing sufficient Retention Time. Screens are installed at Inlet to catch any floating waste material. V-Notch is also installed at inlet to measure the flow reaching Pond.

25. That the District Administration Prayagraj has executed contracts for bio-remediation of grey water, construction of three prefabricated STP's, laying of drainage pipe lines and operation and maintenance work of 100 KLD & 50 KLD Facecal Sludge Co- Treatment Plants at Naini and Jhunsi, details of which are as follows-:

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22

23

Campus and

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25

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15. To create the public awareness, the following steps are stated to be taken:

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"27. That the Kumb Mela Adhikhari, District Prayagraj in it's separate report has informed about the effective steps which are being undertaken for the management of population which is anticipated to increase at the time of Maha Kumbh Mela period in District Prayagraj. Comprehensive waste management systems including proper disposal of waste has been adopted. Various awareness programmes with regards to protection of environment will be organised during the mela period, so as to educate the population and ensure that no open defecation takes place and solid and liquid waste management is done in proper manner. Further 10 Hoardings per Sector with 10 different sets of messages and designs regarding behavioral change and good hygiene practices are to be placed across all 25 sectors of Mela area. An initiative to beautify the city and Mela area with high quality street art projects being developed on various themes of sanitation, cleanliness, and Ganga- basin conservation is also been undertaken. Further awareness with regards to plastic free environment is also being conducted, so as to prohibit the use of plastics. A copy of report submitted by the Kumbh Mela Adhikari Prayagraj is being annexed herewith and marked as

Annexure R-8."

16. The Applicant in the MA has filed objection to the report of the Principal Secretary, Environment and during the course of hearing he has referred to paragraph 3 of the objection concerning the discharge of untreated sewage in river Ganga at Daraganj, Prayagraj and Mehdauri Colony, Rasulabad. Ld. AAG, State of UP has informed that at all these three locations, the steps have been taken to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage in river Ganga by adopting geo-tube treatment.

17. The Ld. AAG, State of UP, on instructions, has stated that during the Maha Kumbh 2025 no drain in Prayagraj will discharge untreated sewage in river Ganga or Yamuna and that it will be ensured that the water quality does not go above 30 mg/l of BOD though the attempt would be aimed at maintaining the standard of 10 mg/l of BOD and fecal coliform to be 100 MPN/100 ml.

18. During the Maha Kumbh 2025 regular monitoring of the water quality of the river Ganga and Yamuna is necessary at frequent intervals to meet primary water quality criteria.

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19. Hence, we dispose of the MA and OA with the following directions:-

i) During the Maha Kumbh in order to have a better monitoring mechanism and to ensure that on account of the unwanted flow of untreated sewage in river Ganga and Yamuna, the pilgrims who come for holy bath may not suffer, the CPCB and UPPCB will increase their monitoring points and frequency of monitoring on river Ganga and Yamuna.

ii) The CPCB and UPPCB will take the water samples from river Ganga and Yamuna from the points atleast twice a week at regular intervals by avoiding duplicacy of sample on the same day and will display the sample analysis report on the website of UP PCB and CPCB. The report will also include performance of STPs and geo- tubes.

iii) Periodic samples will be collected by UP PCB and CPCB at the outlet of STPs and advanced oxidation ponds and the analytical reports be uploaded on website of PCB and CPCB. Apart from the above, the online monitoring data will also be uploaded.

iv) The sample analysis report will be sent by CPCB and UP PCB during the Mela fortnightly to the Registrar General of the Tribunal so that in case of need, the matter can be listed for consideration again.

v) The solid waste generated during the event will be managed as per the prescribed Rules relating to its management and disposal.

vi) It has been pointed out that the Magh Mela will continue from 12.01.2025 till 26.02.2025 for about 45 days and there will be six important bathing days. The regulatory agencies will strengthen the management system and be more prompt in ensuring the

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compliance, especially during the days of increase footfall. The authorities will ensure that no untreated sewage and solid waste from any of the drains in Prayagraj is discharged in river Ganga and Yamuna. The UP PCB and CPCB shall ensure that the river water quality at all times is drinking water/bathing water quality.

vii) During the Maha Kumbh and after the Maha Kumbh is over, the authorities will take steps for effective disposal of the sludge generated in the STPs and deposited in geo-tubes by following the requisite environmental norms and for the same, performance report shall be filed.

viii) In addition to submitting the sample analysis report as directed in para (iv) above, the CPCB and UPPCB will submit comprehensive action taken report before the Registrar General of the Tribunal by 31.01.2025 and 28.02.2025 disclosing the status of compliance.

20. The MA and OA are accordingly disposed of. Prakash Shrivastava, CP

Dr. A. Senthil Vel, EM

December 23, 2024

Original Application No. 310/2022 with M.A. No. 59/2024

In Original Application No. 56/2024 dv

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