GANGA POLLUTION ABATEMENT AT HARIDWAR STATUS EVALUATION AND TREATMENT STRATEGY

Abstract

Hardwar has been identified as one of the 29 Class I cities (2), on the bank of river Ganga, which are primarily responsible for polluting it. The Ganga starts its journey of plains from Rishikesh Hardwar stretch and maiden attempt to pollute it, originate here. On account of religious importance of Hardwar, the Central Ganga Authority, have floated an Action Plan (2), in who se immediate phase, temporary measure s have been taken to keep this stretch pollution-free during Maha Kumbh 1986. The pollution abatement programme, of River Ganga is first of its kind to be ever undertaken by the Govt. of India to maintain the pristine purity of the river, and is very timely. With the aim of keeping this Rishikesh - Hardwar stretch of river Ganga pollution free, with permanent measures, so as to keep the water quality at Hardwar fit for its best designated use, i.e. Mass Organised (outdoor) Bathing, this study was initiated. Thus, (a) Identifying the sources of pollution, (b) assessing their magnitude and pollution potential, and (c) suggesting permanent remedial measures through chalking-out a treatment strategy, were the basic steps necessary to achieve the desired goal. A reconnaissance stream survey was launched on 9-12-1985, to identify the sources of pollution and thereafter a quality monitoring programme was undertaken from last week of December 1985 to first week of February 1986, during the leanest discharge period of Ganga, with a view to evaluate the present status of the river. From the analysis of 10 parameters of water quality, as collected from seven well selected sampling stations, at a week' s interval, it was established that the river has assimilative capacity to overcome the organic load. Physically and chemically the river water quality was suitable for its Designated Best use except for its micro biological characteristics. The treatment strategy proposed therefore necessia-tes (a) The effective treatment of Rishikesh Municipal Sewage through stabilization ponds/oxidation ditches, (b) Tapping of 10 major drains of Hardwar town in sewerage system, (c) Reorganisation of sewerage system of Rishikesh and Hardwar towns to cater for 100% population, and (d) Provision of Municipal sewage treatment plant at Hardwar, comprising of aerated lagoon/activated sludge process. The methodsof treatment proposed has kept the over-all economy and efficiency' in view rather than going in for conventional activated sludge plants/trickling filters, which are costly to raise, difficult to maintain, besides levying a heavy annual financial burden on maintenance. A comparative analysis, and designs have been sketched.