Varanasi,

20 Feb (HS): Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil conducted a detailed review of

sewage infrastructure projects in Varanasi and conducted a site inspection. The

Union Water Power Minister announced approval for the construction of a new 60

MLD sewage treatment plant in the Lohta area for the Varuna River rejuvenation at

a cost of Rs. 274.31 crore.

Jal

Shakti Minister CR Patil also inspected the 55 MLD STP at Bhagwanpur, developed

at a cost of approximately Rs. 308 crore. All STP procedures have been

completed, and trials are underway. The plant will begin operations by March

15th. Once operational, the sewage from intercepting drains will flow through

the system only after being treated, reducing the pollution burden on both the

Ganga and Varuna rivers.

Officials

informed the Union Minister, who was inspecting the pumping station at Assi,

that the 50 MLD main pumping station, built to handle excess sewage, was also

inspected. Through this, the flow from the city's major drains is being

connected to a treatment system so that untreated water does not reach the

river under any circumstances.

During

the inspection of the Union Minister, Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari, Director

General Namami Gange Rajiv Kumar Mittal, Municipal Commissioner Himanshu

Nagpal, officials of Namami Gange, Jal Nigam and executing agencies were also

present.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi