A significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to clean the Ganges River has been achieved with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art 20 MLD Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in Kanpur.
This plant, installed under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) initiative, represents a major advancement in treating tannery effluents and mitigating water pollution.
The new CETP aims to address long-standing pollution challenges faced by the river, especially in the Kanpur region, where tanneries have contributed significantly to contamination.
This modern facility utilizes cutting-edge technology to ensure that wastewater from tanneries is properly treated before being released, a critical component in the broader goal of restoring the ecological balance of the Ganges.
Improved Efficiency Over Previous Plants
The newly constructed 20 MLD CETP replaces the older 36 MLD plant located at Jajmau, which has been operating inefficiently for some time.
The new plant’s enhanced technology promises optimal performance, focusing on both operation and maintenance.
“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.”
Vikas Tiwari, the Manager of Operations and Maintenance at the facility
This dual-stream approach ensures flexibility and maximizes the plant’s capacity to handle effluents.
Tiwari emphasized that the plant is ready to accept tannery wastewater, expressing confidence that with proper operation, the facility will make a significant impact in reducing pollution levels.
The installation of the 20 MLD CETP is just one component of the National Mission for Clean Ganga’s multifaceted strategy to revitalize the Ganges River.
Kanpur has long been recognized as a critical area in this cleanup effort due to its high concentration of tanneries and industrial waste.
A landmark initiative took place in November 2018, when the historic Sisamau drain, which previously discharged over 140 MLD of untreated sewage into the river, was successfully diverted.
This effort, costing over Rs. 60 crore (~US$7.3 Million), has played a key role in reducing pollution entering the Ganges from Kanpur.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the 20 MLD CETP in Kanpur marks a crucial step forward in the ongoing battle to clean the Ganges River. By employing advanced technologies and integrating comprehensive pollution management strategies, the plant is set to significantly reduce tannery effluents, one of the main pollutants in the region.
