CAG finds 18 STPs not taken over in Uttarakhand's Namami Gange audit

This audit examined the implementation of the Namami Gange Programme in Uttarakhand for the period 2018-23, focusing on sewage treatment infrastructure, auxiliary cleaning initiatives, water quality monitoring, and financial management.

Government of Uttarakhand, specifically the State Mission for Clean Ganga, Uttarakhand Peyjal Nigam, Irrigation Department, Forest Department, and Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan.

• 18 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) were not taken over by the maintenance agency (Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan) due to operational and safety issues.
• Untreated sewage was discharged into the Ganga, including instances where an O&M contractor willfully discharged untreated sewage.
• Forestry interventions showed minimal progress, with only 16 percent of planned expenditure implemented.
• Crematoria constructed under the scheme remained largely unutilized due to lack of demand analysis and public awareness.
• Solid waste was primarily dumped on river slopes or burned rather than properly processed, leading to it flowing back into the river.
• Water quality in Rishikesh remained in 'B' category from 2019 to 2023, while water quality up to Devprayag was 'A' category.
• Recommendations include conducting comprehensive safety audits of STPs, financing sewer networking works, and enhancing public awareness for crematoria use.

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