Prayagraj: To ensure a clean and healthy Maha Kumbh, the authorities of UP Jal Nigam urban are constructing three temporary sewage treatment plants (STPs) with assistance from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). These state-of-the-art STPs, costing around Rs 3.60 crore, are designed to handle the waste and drain water generated by the massive influx of devotees during the event.
They are set to be made operational by Dec 15. Utilising BARC's advanced Hybrid Granular SBR (HGSBR) technology, these plants will play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness at the Maha Kumbh. The HGSBR technology effectively treats wastewater by reducing its biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels to below 30, making it suitable for reuse in irrigation or safe discharge into the river.
In addition, the technology biologically eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses, ensuring cleaner, safer water. This will be the first time such advanced technology is deployed at the Maha Kumbh. Executive engineer of Jal Nigam Ashutosh Yadav said: "The temporary STPs, with a treatment capacity of 500 KLD, will be installed in sectors 9, 13, and 15 of the mela area.
They will manage wastewater from temporary toilets and drains, easing the load on the city's existing STPs." Once the event concludes, the plants will be integrated into the city's permanent drainage system..
