Kanpur’s New High-Tech Plant: A Big Step for Cleaning the Ganga
Kanpur, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, has long faced challenges with untreated waste from tanneries. However, a new 20 MLD Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) promises a change. Built by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), this plant uses advanced technology for better operation and maintenance.
Advanced Technology for Better Efficiency
The new CETP replaces an older, less efficient 36 MLD plant in Jajmau. It features modern components like chemical sludge thickeners and fine drum screens. Vikas Tiwari, the Manager of Operations and Maintenance, stated, “This 20 MLD plant is in ready condition. We have two streams of 10 MLD each; one stream is ready, while we are currently developing biomass in the other. The biomass development is progressing well, and the other stream is prepared to take the effluent. From our side, we are ready to accept the effluent. We are confident that, with the proper effluent, this plant will operate successfully if everything goes smoothly.”
Efforts to Clean the Ganga
The NMCG has taken a comprehensive approach to clean the Ganga in Kanpur. In 2018, the Sisamau drain, which released over 140 MLD of sewage into the river, was diverted, costing over Rs 60 crore. This was a significant step in preserving the river.
Namami Gange Program
The NMCG leads the Namami Gange program, focusing on reducing pollution and restoring the Ganga’s ecological balance. Key initiatives include building sewage treatment plants, cleaning river surfaces, and promoting afforestation along riverbanks. Public awareness campaigns educate communities about the river’s importance, encouraging conservation efforts. The mission also supports sustainable tourism and livelihood programs to empower local communities.
Through these efforts, the NMCG aims to create a cleaner, healthier Ganga for both people and the environment.
Doubts Revealed
Kanpur -: Kanpur is a large city in the northern part of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its leather industry and is located on the banks of the Ganga River.
High-Tech Plant -: A high-tech plant is a facility that uses advanced technology and modern equipment to perform its functions more efficiently. In this context, it is used to clean waste before it enters the river.
MLD -: MLD stands for Million Liters per Day. It is a unit of measurement that tells us how much water or waste a treatment plant can handle in one day.
Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) -: A Common Effluent Treatment Plant is a facility that treats wastewater from multiple sources, like factories, before it is released into the environment. This helps in reducing pollution.
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) -: The National Mission for Clean Ganga is an initiative by the Indian government to clean and protect the Ganga River. It aims to reduce pollution and improve the river’s health.
Tanneries -: Tanneries are factories where animal hides are processed to make leather. This process can produce a lot of waste, which needs to be treated before being released into the environment.
Sisamau drain -: The Sisamau drain is a large drainage system in Kanpur that used to carry a lot of untreated waste into the Ganga River. Efforts are being made to divert and treat this waste.
Namami Gange program -: The Namami Gange program is a government initiative aimed at cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga River. It focuses on reducing pollution, restoring the river’s ecological balance, and promoting awareness and sustainable tourism.