SRINAGAR: Jammu and Srinagar, the two major cities in Jammu and Kashmir, are grappling with inadequate sewage treatment capacity despite existing infrastructure. The current installed treatment capacity in Jammu is 72.6 million litres per day (MLD), falling short of the city’s estimated sewage generation of 77.8 MLD. In Srinagar, the gap is more significant, with an installed capacity of 67 MLD compared to a generation of 158.3 MLD.
The information was revealed by the Government of India in response to a question raised by Gulam Ali in the Rajya Sabha on December 16. Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary also shared that two new sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Srinagar, with capacities of 60 MLD and 0.7 MLD, are in progress. These facilities are expected to be completed in two to three years.
To address the issue further, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir is working in collaboration with the Centre under various schemes. For instance, an 8 MLD STP project has been approved under the National River Conservation Plan for the conservation of the Jhelum River. Additional infrastructure is also being developed under programmes such as the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation and the Smart Cities Mission.
While the primary responsibility for sewage treatment lies with the states and union territories, the central government is supplementing these efforts with financial and technical support. The measures aim to bridge the capacity gaps in sewage treatment and enhance water conservation in the region.
