The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted the Uttar Pradesh government a three-day extension to present a “comprehensive sewage management system” plan for the upcoming 2025 Mahakumbh mela in Prayagraj. The decision came during a session focused on preventing sewage discharge into the Ganga and Yamuna rivers during the religious gathering, which is scheduled from January 13 to February 26.
Justice Prakash Shrivastava, NGT Chairperson, stressed the importance of the plan addressing both the current and expected increase in sewage due to the influx of visitors for the Mahakumbh, which occurs every 12 years. The plan must outline expected sewage generation, treatment facilities, and specific measures to ensure zero discharge of untreated sewage into the rivers.
Additional Advocate General (AAG) for Uttar Pradesh highlighted during the proceedings that 81 drains in Prayagraj contribute to sewage flow into these rivers. The management plan includes treating 60-70 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage from 22 drains using an advanced oxidation system and diverting others to existing sewage treatment plants (STPs).
The tribunal also required disclosure of contractual, financial, and operational details related to the sewage management efforts, including the status of projects and timelines for completion. The report must be filed by the state’s principal secretary of the environment department within the stipulated three days.
