Report filed by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board in the matter of Manoj Kumar Rai Vs State of Uttar Pradesh, 24/03/2022. The matter related to discharge of sewage and solid waste into Katahal drain connected to river Ganga, Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh.

The NGT, January 4, 2022 directed the constitution of five member joint committee to look into the matter and take remedial action to ensure that no untreated sewage and waste goes into river Ganga and erring officers be made accountable for failures, if any found.

The committee visited the site from February 15-16, 2022 and found that sewage is discharged into Kathal drain through six drains. Results showed high content of coliform in Kathal drain and high content of coliform and BOD in river Ganga with probable impact due to domestic sewage.

Even though Nagar Palika Parishad had provided screens in the drains and the sewage in drains is subjected to bioremediation - the screens are not properly set up and bioremediation too has not been optimally designed to address the entire flow of the drains.

The committee in its report, uploaded to the NGT site, April 7, 2022 recommended that Kathal drain should be restored as a connecting overflow channel of Surha Taal (a natural pond) near Ballia city, leading to river Ganga. This restoration can be achieved by operationalizing the existing laid sewerage network and suitable treatment through establishing sewage treatment plant at appropriate locations.

Note: The report of March 24, 2022 was uploaded to the NGT site, April 7, 2022