Patna: A major piece of infrastructure designed to curb pollution in the Ganga has been completed in Bihar’s capital. The Beur Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), built for Rs 66.31 crore, is now ready to treat wastewater that previously flowed untreated into the river, officials said on Monday.
The new facility, with a capacity to process 43 million litres of sewage per day, marks a significant step in efforts to improve the environmental health of the Ganga and surrounding communities. Under the national Clean Ganga Mission (Namami Gange), the project aims to intercept and treat domestic and urban wastewater before it can reach the river.
Until now, sewage from Beur and adjacent areas has been discharged directly into drainage channels and ultimately into the Ganga, contributing to the degradation of water quality. With the STP now operational, wastewater will be scientifically treated and released only after purification, reducing pollutants and helping to raise water quality standards.
The Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (BUIDCo), which led the project, describes the facility as an important addition to the city’s sanitation network. Using modern technology, the plant is designed for efficient treatment with reduced energy consumption. Trained staff will manage its operations to ensure long‑term performance.
Environmental experts welcomed the development, noting that better sewage management not only helps protect the river’s ecosystem but also benefits public health in densely populated urban areas. Cleaner water could lower the risk of water‑borne diseases and support local biodiversity along the riverbanks.
In a related development, Patna’s hilly region has also seen improvements in sewage infrastructure. A 92‑kilometre sewage network and a 60 MLD treatment plant have been completed, financed at an estimated Rs 212.14 crore, bringing direct sanitation benefits to thousands of households. Additional treatment capacity worth Rs 123.27 crore has further strengthened the city’s ability to manage wastewater effectively.
The expansion of sewage treatment facilities underscores ongoing efforts to address long‑standing environmental and public health challenges in India’s urban centres, reinforcing commitments to a cleaner Ganga and healthier urban living conditions.
