Algae strains from Mirzapur STP caused algal bloom in Ganga
VARANASI: Algae strains which drained into river Ganga from the oxidation pond in Chunar and sewage treatment plant (STP) in Mirzapur caused algal bloom in the Ganga in Varanasi, revealed investigation and sample testing by a team of scientists of Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board.
To note, district magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma had constituted an expert team to find out the cause of algal bloom in the Ganga in Varanasi and had sought a report by June 10.
The team comprised regional pollution control officer Kalika Singh, assistant commissioner of police (Dashashwamedh) Awadhesh Pandey and three other officials, including one from Ganga pollution control unit.
Singh and a team of UPPCB scientists did spot inspection in the Ganga from Mirzapur to Varanasi and collected samples of water.
UPPCB scientific officer Dr TN Singh said, “We collected samples of Ganga water from various stretches of the river to find out the cause of algal bloom. The samples were tested, and results revealed that the algae strains drained into the river from Mirzapur district’s Chunar oxidation pond and STP. These algae flourished in the Varanasi stretch of Ganga due to presence of nitrogen and phosphorous (though mild) which mainly come in the river water from untapped drains.”
A 50 MLD untapped drain in Assi area is discharged in river Ganga. Likewise, another 10 MLD untapped Ramnagar drain also falls into the river. The nitrogen and phosphorus reach the river with the sewage water, according to Dr Singh, and act as fertilizer for the algae.
A report about the findings had been prepared and was submitted to the district magistrate, said a senior official in UPPCB.
Regional pollution control officer Singh confirmed it.
A UPPCB scientist said that the algal bloom would end as soon as the flow of Ganga water increased.
Ganga conservation activist Rajesh Shukla said the algal bloom in the river in Varanasi was first seen around 20 days ago but it was washed away by rain after two days. It returned around a week ago due to which the Ganga water looked green in certain stretches.
He said efforts should be made to increase the flow of water.
Shukla demanded that the untapped drains discharging into the river Ganga should be tapped as early as possible.
Prof BD Tripathi, chairman of Mahamana Malviya Research Centre for Ganga, River Development and Water Resource Management (MMRC for Ganga), BHU, said the algal bloom was not good for the health of aquatic animals.