In a significant leap for river conservation, Haridwar has ramped up its sewage treatment capabilities under the Namami Gange Mission, aiming to restore the Ganga’s ecological balance. Two new state-of-the-art sewage treatment plants (STPs) — including the nation’s first pink STP — have raised the city’s capacity to 145 million litres per day. With innovative technology, inclusive staffing, and sustainable water reuse, the upgrades reflect Haridwar’s commitment to both environmental stewardship and community wellbeing.
Haridwar, one of India’s most sacred cities, now operates two advanced sewage treatment facilities: a 68 MLD plant at Jagjeetpur and a 14 MLD plant at Sarai. Together, they form a crucial line of defence against sewage pollution entering the Ganga. The Jagjeetpur STP, based on Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology, holds multiple distinctions—it is the largest in Uttarakhand, the country’s first under the Hybrid Annuity Model, and India’s first ‘Pink STP’, with half its workforce comprising women. The increased treatment capacity ensures that nearly all domestic sewage is now effectively treated before discharge. Authorities overseeing the operation note that such infrastructure is pivotal in protecting both the ecological and spiritual sanctity of the river, especially ahead of high-footfall events like the Char Dham Yatra. These facilities not only reduce direct waste flow into the Ganga but also symbolise a modern, inclusive approach to river rejuvenation and decentralised sanitation management.
Beyond pollution control, the new sewage plants have opened up opportunities for resource recovery and agricultural support. Treated water from the Sarai STP is now being repurposed for irrigation, significantly reducing groundwater stress and benefiting local farmers. According to experts, this reuse model not only conserves freshwater reserves but also supports sustainable farming, as the nutrient-rich treated water boosts crop yields. Locals report visible improvement in agricultural productivity since adopting STP-supplied water. These innovations are particularly important as Haridwar anticipates rising population pressures and seasonal influxes of pilgrims. With infrastructure designed to absorb future demand, the city is positioning itself as a leader in adaptive urban planning and river conservation. Experts overseeing the Namami Gange implementation in Haridwar highlight the dual benefit: ecological restoration of the river and improved resilience for riverside communities. These actions underscore the importance of decentralised, technology-driven wastewater solutions for India’s holy cities.
Haridwar’s latest sewage infrastructure upgrades under the Namami Gange Mission represent a crucial turning point in India’s river conservation journey. By integrating advanced technologies, gender-inclusive staffing, and treated water reuse, the city is tackling pollution while supporting agricultural sustainability. With the capacity to handle current and future waste loads, these STPs demonstrate how spiritual heritage and environmental engineering can co-exist. Authorities and environmental experts see this as a replicable model for other pilgrimage cities grappling with water pollution. If sustained, these efforts will help revive the Ganga not just in flow, but in spirit, purity, and public benefit.
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Haridwar Boosts Ganga Cleanup with 145 MLD Sewage Treatment Capacity
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