Context: The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) implemented a series of effective measures to improve the water quality of rivers and reservoirs throughout the state.
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- As a result, the UPPCB’s 2024 report indicates a 68.8% improvement in water purity across the state compared to 2023.
- This reflects the success of ongoing initiatives, rigorous monitoring, and targeted campaigns led by the state government to combat water pollution.”
- The UPPCB carried out water quality testing at 176 locations across the state, with improvements observed at 120 of these sites in 2024.
- Under flagship initiatives like the Namami Gange Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Uttar Pradesh has significantly expanded its wastewater treatment capacity.
- As of April 2025, the state has installed 152 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), with 141 fully operational and 126 meeting prescribed environmental standards.
- Additionally, 6 STPs are in the testing phase, and 15 are expected to become fully operational soon.
- The government and local authorities are collaborating closely to achieve full compliance.
- As part of its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations, the UPPCB has taken stringent action against non-compliant STPs.
- Between October 2022 and April 2025, environmental fines amounting to ₹11.8 crore were levied on violators.
- However, only ₹17.30 lakh has been recovered so far, prompting the board to prioritize strengthening the penalty recovery mechanism.”
- The Chief Minister has placed particular emphasis on the restoration and conservation of major rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, and Gomti, along with smaller water bodies across the state.
