Patna: A new 500 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) will be built along the banks of the Ganga in Patna, making it the largest such facility in Bihar. The project aims to connect all major and minor drains from Digha to Gaighat to the plant so that wastewater is treated before entering the Ganga, officials said.
The plan will be implemented under a revised framework of the Namami Gange programme after an agreement between the state’s Urban Development and Housing Department and mission authorities. The decision was taken following a recent visit to Patna by the mission’s Director General. Authorities said the same model will later be extended to cities and rural areas located along the river across the state. The project is targeted for completion within 18 months.
According to officials, Bihar has approval for 39 STPs, of which 21 projects have been completed and 13 are currently under execution. The remaining projects are scheduled to be finished before the 2026 monsoon. Operation and maintenance are being monitored by technical experts using geo-tagging and video conferencing. Tapping of the Kurji and Rajapur drains has already been completed, and their wastewater is currently being treated at the Digha STP, which processes about 50 MLD daily.
Survey completed, DPR next
A Delhi-based agency has completed a survey for the new plant and assessed major drains. A Detailed Project Report will be prepared next. All major drains will be tapped using Interception and Diversion (I&D) technology to channel wastewater directly to the STP. Officials clarified that ongoing sewer line works will continue where already underway, but new excavation of roads and lanes will not be carried out. Networking work in narrow lanes will also be halted to reduce disruption.
Five drains to be connected first
In the first phase, Rajapur, Mandiri, Mittan Ghat, Anta Ghat, and Kurji Ghat drains will be linked to the system.
Key expected benefits
Authorities say the plan will stop untreated sewage from flowing into the river, reduce road excavation, increase treatment capacity in less time, lower project costs, and significantly cut pollution levels.
Background and need
Work on Patna’s sewer network has been ongoing for nearly a decade but has not produced the expected results, and pollution levels in the river have continued to rise. Concerns have previously been raised by the National Green Tribunal and the Pollution Control Board over untreated discharge. Former water scientist S.N. Jaiswal said the new approach, which focuses on tapping drains and diverting wastewater directly for treatment, should improve water quality.
Old vs new approach
Under the earlier plan, new sewer networks were to be built across cities, leading to extensive road digging that slowed progress, disrupted traffic, and caused inconvenience to residents. The revised strategy prioritizes direct diversion of drain water to treatment facilities, avoids fresh excavation, reduces timelines and costs, and enhances treatment capacity.
