Gujarat clears ₹2,275-cr deep-sea effluent disposal project

To solve the pollution problem of Sabarmati, Mahi, Vishwamitri and Bhadar rivers in Gujarat, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board has taken up the ₹2,275 crore deep-sea effluent disposal pipeline project in the state. Member Secretary, GPCB, A V Shah informed that the project will resolve river and groundwater pollution to a larger extent and will also help in reviving local river ecology. The board is strictly adhering to the NGT, GOI and the state government guidelines. The Gujarat Water Infrastructure Limited (GWIL) has initiated the tendering process for the project and a high-level multi-department committee chaired by Chief Secretary Anil Mukim has begun monitoring it. The work will start in January 2021 and is expected to be completed in 36 months. Under the project, treated effluent from 11 common effluent treatment plants (CETP) of Ahmedabad, Kheda, Vadodara and Jetpur will be collected and discharged into the deep sea. The project will be implemented under the public-private partnership (PPP) model with the state government funding 70% to 80% of the capital cost. The government will contribute ₹1,659 crore and various local industries associations will contribute ₹615 crore. The state has already started receiving contributions from industries associations.