Challenges and Future Prospects of Sewage Treatment Infrastructure in Prayagraj District: An Assessment

IJEP 46(2): 144-155 : Vol. 46 Issue. 2 (February 2026)

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Arun Kumar Singh1, Krishna Kumar Singh2* and Rakesh Chandra Vaishya1

1. Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Department of Civil Engineering, Prayagraj – 211 004, Uttar Pradesh, India
2. Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Gorakhpur – 273 010, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

In many regions of both developed and developing countries, poor management of residential sewage treatment systems poses significant challenges, impacting society, the environment and health. The Prayagraj Nagar Nigam (PNN) area, which is the hub of judicial, administrative, educational and industrial activities in the state, is located in Prayagraj, a major urban center in southeastern Uttar Pradesh. The city’s infrastructure is further strained by millions of pilgrims visiting due to its religious importance, especially during the Kumbh mela. Prayagraj has 76 existing drains, of which 29 out of 46 untapped drains discharge waste directly into the Ganga river and 25 out of 30 into the Yamuna river. Currently, the city operates seven sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a total capacity of 268 MLD. These plants treat wastewater from the connected sewers. Additionally, three new STPs are under construction to handle the remaining unconnected sewers, with a combined capacity of 72 MLD, expected to meet demand until 2039. The existing infrastructure will face heavy pressure during the upcoming Maha Kumbh in 2025, increasing the risk of system failures. To prevent overloads, immediate upgrades to the current STPs are essential. Moreover, the city’s high non-revenue water levels stem from the use of tubewells and a large migratory population. The lack of updated census data may also lead to underestimating the population. These issues highlight the urgent need to improve Prayagraj’s effluent management system to protect the environment and ensure sustainability in the long-term.

Keywords

Prayagraj nagar Nigam, Kumbh mela, Ganga river, Yamuna river, Sewage treatment plant

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