UP is pushing for the strengthening of the sewage system, the prevention of river pollution through a multifaceted approach

Pushing for the treatment of sewage flowing into rivers through sewers, thereby completely preventing river pollution, the Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday (May 24, 2026) informed that 152 sewage treatment plants (STPs) are operational in Uttar Pradesh, with the state making rapid progress towards the national targets of Ganga cleanliness.

“Uttar Pradesh has taken a major step to ensure the cleanliness of major rivers, including Ganga and Yamuna. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, extensive work is underway to clean sewage and prevent river pollution,” said Anurag Srivastava, Additional Principal Secretary, Namami Ganga and Rural Drintar Water Department.

“Untreated sewage from UP cities will no longer flow directly into rivers. Sewerage infrastructure is being significantly strengthened under Mission Namami Gange Phase-2. Four major sewage infrastructure projects have started operations in FY 2025-26. These include two large STPs in Agra (31 MLD and 35 MLD and cost approx. 25 MLD) ₂ Assi-BHU area of Varanasi, 55 MLD STP has started operations at a cost of ₹ 308 crore, serves more than 18 million people with improved sanitation and waste management In Shuklaganj (Unnao), a 5 MLD STP costing ₹ 65 million has been commissioned and is effectively bringing pollution to more than 3 million people, Mr. Srivastava added.

Joginder Singh, Special Secretary, Namami Ganga and Rural Water Supply Department said that 74 sewage treatment projects have been sanctioned across the state, while 41 have been completed and work on the remaining projects is progressing rapidly. He added a comprehensive action plan for Varanasi Prayagraj’s Kanpur and Lucknow which are being prepared for sanctions.

“These projects enable scientific treatment of urban sewage. At present, 152 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are operational in Uttar Pradesh which treat large volumes of sewage to make it environmentally friendly before releasing it into rivers. These treatment plants ensure both Ganga-Yamuna cleanliness and public health,” said Mr. Singh.

Mr. Singh, a 2015 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who is also the project director for the State Clean Ganga Mission, said these projects primarily aim to treat sewage flowing into rivers through sewers, completely prevent river pollution and ensure river cleanliness. “Under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, unprecedented work is being done to protect and rejuvenate the rivers. A policy on the safe use of treated water has also been approved by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet. Through wastewater treatment projects, Uttar Pradesh is making rapid progress towards the national goals of Ganga cleanliness.”

“Effluent treatment projects are operational in Prayagraj (Naini, Phaphamau, Jhunsi), Kannauj, Narora, Garhmukteshwar, Anupshahr, Kanpur, Bithoor, Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan, Chhata (Mathura), Kosi Kalan (Mathura), Varanasi, Ebad Chunar, Morada, Firoza Shuklaganj-Unnao, Sultanpur, Jaunpur, Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, Work is underway on four STPs in Shamli, one in Budhana, Lucknow, Ghazipur, Mirzapur, Bareilly, Kairana, Farrukhabad, Meerut, Deoband (Saharanpur), NaBugarland, Deoband (Agra, Dehralawati) (Mughalsarai-Chandauli) and one in Meerut in full swing,” Mr Singh further added.

Published – 24 May 2026 09:25 IST