India, Dec. 9 -- Major Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) built in Haridwar to prevent contamination of the Ganga have started overflowing well before the design year. With the plants receiving more sewage than their capacity, locals are concerned about the holy river being contaminated in Haridwar. However, officials maintain that all sewage water is released after treatment.

Information sought under the Right To Information (RTI) Act by local activist Disha Sharma revealed that there is one 14 MLD capacity and another 18 MLD capacity STP in the Sarai area of Haridwar. The 14 MLD plant receives 15-16 MLD sewage while the 18 MLD plant is receiving 20-21 MLD sewage for treatment.

The biggest STP is located in Jagjeetpur with 68 MLD capacity ...