Chuntkul , Doodhganga to be made pollution free
Srinagar, Feb 25: As Chief Minister Omar Abdullah laid foundation stone for construction of three major Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) along Doodh Ganga and Chuntikul, the scientific measures mark a significant milestone in the Government’s sustained efforts to curb water pollution and restore the ecological health of the Jhelum river system.
The projects, being developed at a total cost of `189 crore, will substantially enhance wastewater treatment capacity and prevent untreated sewage from flowing into vital water bodies.
Under the project plan, Doodh Ganga Phase-I comprises a 6 MLD (Million Litres per Day) capacity sewage treatment plant to be constructed at a cost of `50.6 crore, while Doodh Ganga Phase-II will have a capacity of 14 MLD at an estimated cost of `67.72 crore. Additionally, an 8 MLD capacity STP is proposed at Choonti Khol in Gav Kadal at a cost of `70.90 crore. Upon completion, these three plants will collectively treat 28 million litres of sewage per day, significantly reducing pollutant discharge into Doodh Ganga and subsequently into the Jhelum River.
Doodh Ganga and Chuntkul have long been burdened by untreated municipal sewage, contributing to rising biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), declining dissolved oxygen levels, and overall deterioration of water quality in the Jhelum basin. The establishment of these modern treatment facilities is expected to improve water quality, safeguard aquatic biodiversity, strengthen public health standards and ensure compliance with environmental regulations under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
Besides being a tourist attraction, Chuntkul assumes immense ecological importance for Dal Lake. The channel helps to maintain the water budget of Dal’s as its surplus waters flows through it into river Jhelum through Ram Munshi Bagh and Gaw Kadal water regulatory gates.
During the inauguration, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated the Government’s firm commitment to environmental protection, sustainable urban infrastructure, and long-term water security. He emphasized that restoring the health of tributaries such as Doodh Ganga is crucial for the comprehensive rejuvenation of the Jhelum, which remains the lifeline of Kashmir’s ecology, agriculture and drinking water supply.
