The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has intensified its efforts to clean the Godavari river ahead of the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, aiming to achieve bathing-quality water standards by March 2027 through a Rs 1,600-crore infrastructure overhaul.
Strategic Shift to Advanced STPs
In a strategic shift, the NMC has decided to construct four large, advanced sewage treatment plants (STPs) instead of upgrading ageing units. The focus is on reducing biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels in treated water from the current 20-25 to below 5, ensuring compliance with environmental norms.
Municipal commissioner Manisha Khatri stated, "About 47% of the work on the new STPs has been completed so far. At present, the treated sewage from existing plants has BOD levels ranging between 20 and 25, which is a major concern. Once the new STPs become functional, the BOD levels will drop below 5."
New STP Locations and Capacity
The new STPs are being developed at Tapovan (180 MLD), Agartakli (97 MLD), Chehedi (64 MLD), and Panchak (75 MLD), alongside the upgradation of the existing 70 MLD plant at Agartakli. The total sewage treatment capacity will increase from 342 MLD to 486 MLD once the project is completed.
Civic officials noted that the existing three-decade-old STPs are among the main contributors to river pollution, often discharging water exceeding the permissible BOD limit of 10. The new plants are equipped with advanced technology and SCADA-based monitoring systems to ensure consistent compliance.
Comprehensive Sewer Network Overhaul
Alongside treatment infrastructure, the NMC is laying new sewer lines along both banks of the river, replacing ageing pipelines and diverting sewage from 21 nullahs to nearby STPs to prevent untreated discharge. The project also includes the construction of 10 sewage pumping stations and a comprehensive sewer network overhaul to plug gaps in the current system.
Khatri added, "This will play a crucial role in making the river pollution-free. We aim to achieve bathing-quality standards before the Kumbh Mela once all works are completed." The final deadline, including trial runs and commissioning, is set for June 2027.
Cost-Effectiveness and Long-Term Efficiency
Officials said constructing new STPs was found to be more cost-effective than upgrading older facilities, while also ensuring better long-term efficiency. The river-cleaning push comes as Nashik prepares for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, scheduled between 2026 and 2028. The flag-hoisting ceremony will take place on October 31, 2026, while the three major Amrit Snans are slated between August and September 2027.
Civic authorities emphasized that the initiative is crucial not only for the religious event but also for improving environmental health and restoring the sanctity of the Godavari, a lifeline for the city.
