A tributary to the Ganges, river Pandu flowing in Kanpur, has been termed by many as a dead and poisonous stream. With hazardous toxins, pollutants and tonnes of sewage fouling its water, several environmentalists have termed it unfit and dead. However, the deplorable condition of the river water has caught the attention of many and now, municipal authorities have taken up the task to purify Pandu river by means of bioremediation.
Pandu river to soon flow in its pristine glory
By virtue of being one of the most prominent industrial hubs in Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur’s pollution often spins trouble for its natural atmosphere, open spaces and water bodies. With multiple tanneries and other industrial plants in this region, water bodies face the brunt of contaminated wastage, spilling into them. The magnitude of this water contamination can be assessed from the condition of one of the most prominent rivers in Kanpur. Once famed for its crystal clear water, the stream is now black. However, this is about to change now.
On the directives of the National Green Tribunal to clean and clear water bodies, the Kanpur Municipal Corporation has taken up the task to treat river Pandu by means of bio-remediation. As per reports, the District Municipal Commissioner has issued directives to treat all drains and subsurface material connected to the water body.
A Chennai based agency by name of Bioxy Green holds the tender for the bio-remediation treatment. The company has already started to treat contaminated water draining into the river Pandu. The executive engineer of the project informed that about 84 million litres of water is being purified and cleaned in a day. Besides water pipes and drains, surrounding areas are also under treatment, read reports.
What is bio-remediation?
Bio-remediation is a principle treatment method which stimulates the growth of micro-organisms and degrading target pollutants. This procedure can tackle waste and dirt in any form, be it solid, liquid or industrials and in most cases, it is touted to be more sustainable and less expensive than other remediation alternatives. As per estimates, the annual budget of the Pandu river treatment stands at ₹1 crore, where the impact and effects will be noticeable in about 6 months time.
