Srinagar, 25 Feb (KNS) : In a major push towards environmental conservation and sustainable urban infrastructure, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday laid the foundation of three major Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) along Doodh Ganga and Choonti Khol, aiming to curb the rising pollution levels in the Jhelum river system.
The projects, worth ?189 Crore, are seen as a decisive step by the Omar Abdullah-led Government to address the long-standing issue of untreated sewage discharge into the Valley's lifeline. The foundation ceremony was attended by Advisor to HCM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Ali Mohammad Dar, Shameema Firdous, Ahsan Pardesi, Tanvir Sadiq, and Political Advisor to VP Mudassar Shahmiri.
Under the plan, Doodh Ganga Phase-I will see a 6 MLD STP constructed at a cost of ?
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel50.6 Crore, while Phase-II will add a 14 MLD capacity at ?67.72 Crore. An 8 MLD plant is also proposed at Choonti Khol in Gav Kadal for ?70.90 Crore. Once completed, the three facilities will collectively treat 28 million litres of sewage per day, drastically reducing the pollutant load entering the Jhelum.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reiterated the Government’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and water security, stressing that restoring the health of tributaries like Doodh Ganga is vital for the larger rejuvenation of the Jhelum—an ecosystem critical to Kashmir’s agriculture, aquatic biodiversity, and public health. (KNS)