According to the CPCB survey report, the total municipal sewage generated in the identified 25 towns in 1985 was of the order of 1340 million litres per day (mld). Out of this, works corresponding to 873 mld only (65%) were taken up under the first phase of GAP due to resource crunch. The remaining sewage was to be taken up under the 2nd phase of GAP which is already in progress. The Action Plan primarily addresses itself to the interception and diversion for treatment of the targeted municipal sewage of 873 mld. Schemes for the abatement of pollution from such non-point sources as:
(a) areas infested with open defecation,
(b) disposal of half burnt or unburnt dead bodies and
(c) run-off from solid waste and garbage dumps have also been taken up under the programme.
Activities for construction and improvement of bathing ghats to provide a clean and hygienic access to the river are also part of the Action Plan.
Pollution of the river from grossly polluting industries has been monitored and controlled under the existing Environmental Laws without any public investment except for a common effluent treatment plant (CETP) at Kanpur.
The programme addresses to the recovery of resources like biogas for power generation and sludge as biofertiliser from the sewage treatment operation. The treated sewage which also contains nutrients is proposed to be used for irrigation wherever feasible. These steps were aimed at revenue generation from such resources to minimise the operation and maintenance cost burden.
The programme envisages scheme specific and site specific applied research with a view to improving the river water quality. The research projects are undertaken on the approval of a Research Committee headed by the eminent scientist, Dr. M. S. Swaminathan.
vi Training programmes are also envisaged under the scheme for engineers and operators engaged in the design and operation & maintenance of the systems.
