In order to save river Hindon from further contamination, the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has planned to set up a sewage treatment plant (STP) for the city. Also, in the same context in neighbouring Ghaziabad, around four STPs have been proposed.
GNIDA deputy chief executive officer (DCEO) PC Gupta said the authority has selected a site near Kasna nursery area, and a detailed project report was under preparation for an estimated project of R200 crore.
“The sequential batch reactor (SBR) technology-based sewage plant will be ready in another year," Gupta said. Officials said the project would prove to be a boon for the much-polluted river, which passes through Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar districts.
“Industrial waste from Ghaziabad and Noida and sand-dust from building material godowns set up near embankment have converted the river stretch near Chijarsi into a drain. Sewerage is also discharged into the river which further pollutes it,” said UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) regional manager (Noida) Paras Nath.
Ramesh Negi, a social worker from Greater Noida, said: “Although Greater Noida was formed in 1991, not a single sewerage treatment plant has been set up in the city so far. Untreated waste discharged into the river has reduced it to a drain. Recent floods cleaned up the river to an extent, but the situation is same again.”
{{/usCountry}}Ramesh Negi, a social worker from Greater Noida, said: “Although Greater Noida was formed in 1991, not a single sewerage treatment plant has been set up in the city so far. Untreated waste discharged into the river has reduced it to a drain. Recent floods cleaned up the river to an extent, but the situation is same again.”
{{/usCountry}}Chijarsi villagers said their cattle fall ill after drinking the Hindon water.
“Even if used for bathing, the water causes skin infection. Aquatic life is almost absent here,” said Hardeep Singh from Chijarsi village.
The four STPs are likely to come up at Indirapuram, Noor Nagar Sihani near Raj Nagar extension, Govindpuram and upcoming project of Madhuban Bapudham in Ghaziabad.
Regional Pollution Control Board regional manager TU Khan said five drains were discharged into river Hindon from Ghaziabad areas.