Varanasi: After continuous efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government over the years, the Ganges water quality, as well as oxygen amount near Varanasi has increased, according to claims by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board.
Recently taken samples of upstream and downstream Ganges water by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board has revealed that the quality of water between Mirzapur to Varanasi has improved significantly.
The main reason for this is that between Mirzapur to Varanasi about 30 drains used to fall directly into the Ganges, but due to the formation of 50 MLD, 20 MLD and other small modern STP units at different places, the drain water falling directly in the river has been treated.
The oxygen level in upstream Nagwa in Varanasi is above 9, whereas in the downstream, dissolved oxygen has been recorded between 8.2 and 8.5. In this regard, the Regional Officer of Ganga Pollution Control Board, Kalika Singh says that if we look at the data from the first week of January to 29 January, the quality of Ganga water is constantly improving.
Ganges enters Kashi from Nagwa
From the pH levels to the resolution of oxygen, BOD and faecal coliform there has been a steady improvement in all of these. From Nagwa, Ganga enters the ghats of Kashi and the downstream Ganges moves from Varuna Sangam to Ghazipur to Ballia. Water from Varuna has also improved due to the closure of the drain, which has also directly affected the quality of Ganga water. To improve the quality of the Ganges on the downstream, the sampling is being done daily and major changes have been observed in it.
19 out of 30 drains closed
The effect of STP being made by the government on the issue of Ganges pollution is resulting in the better quality of Ganges water. According to the officials, 30 drains from Mirzapur to Ghazipur and Ballia used to fall directly into the Ganges. But after treating 19 the drain waters that flow directly into the river, the pollution in the Ganga came down and more work is being done on six other drains.
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The process of treating drain water from other channels is also being done to increase the oxygen level that will better support aquatic organisms.
Oxygen levels in any river or lake should be 6 mg or more. The situation is worrisome if it falls short. At present, the oxygen level in the Ganges is much better than the prescribed standard.
