Varanasi’s Gangapur to Get First Nature-Based Sewage Treatment Plant for Eco-Friendly Wastewater Reuse

Varanasi: Gangapur Nagar Panchayat is set to get its first nature-based Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), aimed at addressing the long-standing problem of untreated wastewater from households. The project, approved by the state government, will treat domestic wastewater and reuse it for agricultural irrigation.

The STP will be constructed at a cost of ₹1.82 crore and will have a treatment capacity of 0.84 million litres per day (MLD). Officials said the plant is designed on an eco-friendly, nature-based model that relies on natural processes for wastewater treatment, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

According to the plan, wastewater generated from households will be collected and treated before being supplied to nearby agricultural fields. This is expected to help farmers by providing an additional source of water for irrigation, while also preventing untreated sewage from polluting land and water bodies.

The project is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0 and is among five such STPs proposed in urban local bodies across the state for the financial year 2025–26. Gangapur has been included as one of the selected locations due to its growing population and increasing sewage load.

Local officials said the work will begin soon and the STP is expected to benefit nearly 12,000 residents. Once operational, around 2,500 households will be connected to the system, improving sanitation and overall environmental health in the area.

Authorities believe the project will serve as a model for sustainable wastewater management, combining cleanliness, water conservation, and support for agriculture in the region.