Gujarat : Shuklatirth Village in Bharuch first to implement Grey Water Treatment Project

Bharuch : Shuklatirth, a village situated on the banks of the Narmada River in Bharuch taluka, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first village in Gujarat to launch a pilot project for a Grey Water Treatment plant.

This innovative initiative, costing Rs 1.97 crore, utilizes soil biotechnology to transform wastewater into drinkable water. The project aims to treat the wastewater generated by approximately 1,500 households in Shuklatirth village, situated around 2.5 kilometers away from the treatment plant.

Previously, the wastewater from the village was discharged into Luharia Lake, located within the village, causing health concerns for the residents over the past 14 years. Village leaders, including Hitesh Patel, took up the cause and advocated for the proper treatment and discharge of the accumulated water.

Shuklatirth has a daily water usage of 50,000 liters for a population of around 8,000 people. The plant has a capacity of approximately 700 kiloliters per day (KLD) and operates by transporting the wastewater through a pipeline network to the treatment facility.

Upon arrival, the water undergoes a series of processes, starting with coarse and parabolic fine screening to separate waste particles larger than 3mm. The grey water then passes through various filtration stages and reaches the bio-reactors. Finally, the filtered water undergoes chlorination before being released into the Narmada River.

Shuklatirth is a picturesque village located 16 kilometers from Bharuch, with a rich cultural and historical significance. It holds the distinction of being one of the most sacred places in the world, as denoted by its name derived from the Sanskrit words “Shukla” (white) and “tirth” (holy place or pilgrimage). The village is home to ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Devi Mata, Gopeshwar, Ambaji, and other deities, some of which are over two thousand years old.

According to local legends, Shuklatirth is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures, and it is believed that the renowned Chandragupta Maurya, along with his minister Chanakya, visited the village around 300 BCE. These historical figures, known for their extraordinary powers, visited Shuklatirth to seek blessings from Lord Mahadev after successfully overthrowing the Nanda dynasty and anointing Chandragupta Maurya as the Emperor of Ancient India.

The implementation of the Grey Water Treatment plant in Shuklatirth not only addresses the health concerns caused by untreated wastewater but also serves as a significant step towards sustainable water management. This pilot project sets a remarkable example for other communities in Gujarat and beyond, showcasing the potential to conserve water resources and minimize environmental impact through effective wastewater treatment.