Bid to make Sangam pollution- free

ALLAHABAD: The National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) has approved a Rs 5 crore project for interception, diversion and treatment of Salori drain, a major pollutant of the Sangam here under the Ganga Action Plan Phase II (GAP-II) . A detailed project report for construction of sewage treatment plant for Salori drain at the Buxi Bund , costing over Rs 19 crore, is under scrutiny of the NRCD, New Delhi.
GAP general manager Ratnakar Singh said on Saturday that administrative approval for land acquisition in Salori drain-Alopibagh area ,estimated to cost Rs 6.14 crore ,had been given by the NRCD and acquisition of land for the scheme was in progress.Singh said that if the NRCD okayed detailed project report for interception and diversion of Ghaghar drain and construction of sewage treatment plant for it , these would be included in the 10th five- year plan for execution.Both the schemes would cost Rs 37.77 crore,he added.
Containing pollution at Sangam, religious place of high sanctity and international fame as millions of pilgrims congregate on its bank during Kumbh melas and other occasions , is of paramount importance.
In the first phase of GAP, 13 major drains emptying about 110 mld (measured in 1986) waste directly into the rivers had been taken up. Out of these six drains completely and one drain partly were intercepted and diverted. The waste water is pumped across Yamuna for its treatment and utilization for irrigation purposes. Out of 90 mld flow, 60 mld is being treated, Singh informed.
Work on GAP was started in 1986 for restoration, renovation and addition to existing system to reduce pollution load on the river.