In a stern warning, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked officials to ensure that no effluent is released in the river Ganga after December 15 this year, failing which action will be taken against the erring officials.
This directive was issued during a review meeting on treatment of effluents released by tanneries in Kanpur. The meeting was attended by senior officials of Environment department as well as those of Kanpur division.
"The cut-off date for diversion of sewerage to effluent treatment plant (ETP) is December 15. After this date not a drop of effluent should be released in the river Ganga. The administration should ensure that ETPs are constructed within the stipulated time," Yogi said in the meeting.
The Chief Minister has taken this decision in view of the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad in January next year. The UP government wants to showcase the Kumbh Mela as a global event and therefore it has started preparations for the mega event at a large scale.
Even the saints who met the Chief Minister recently had complained about direct opening of nullahs in the river Ganga in Kanpur. They pointed out that if the Ganga river was not cleaned before the Kumbh, it would give a bad name to India.
"It is the responsibility of the officials of both Kanpur district and Environment department to ensure that the flow in the river after December is adequate and the water is clean. I will not listen to any excuses. The STPs should be constructed. The officials should carry out a weekly review," Yogi said.
He also said that in case of Collective Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), the capacity should be increased, if required.
Orders were also issued to increase the capacity of Jajmau CETP.