Integrated Waste Management & River Restoration Project: Raghunathganj

Project Proposal

Project Title: Integrated Waste Management & River Restoration Project: Raghunathganj

Location: Raghunathganj, Murshidabad District, West Bengal

River Stretch: Bhagirathi-Hooghly (Ganga)

Date: November 01, 2025

1. Executive Summary

This project outlines a strategic intervention to restore the ecological health of the Ganga (Bhagirathi) river along the Raghunathganj stretch. By adopting an Integrated Waste Management (IWM) approach, the project addresses the root cause of river pollution: land-based waste and untreated sewage. The initiative combines hard infrastructure solutions (drainage filtration, solid waste segregation) with soft infrastructure (community behavioral change and capacity building) to ensure sustainable river rejuvenation.

2. Problem Statement

Raghunathganj acts as a critical urban catchment area for the Bhagirathi river. Currently, the river ecosystem faces the following threats:

• Direct Sewage Discharge: Major municipal drains release untreated wastewater directly into the river.

• Solid Waste Dumping: Lack of effective door-to-door collection leads to residents dumping plastic and household waste onto riverbanks and ghats.

• Ghat Pollution: Ritualistic waste and detergent use at bathing ghats degrade water quality.

• Health Hazards: High coliform levels pose severe public health risks to the local population relying on the river.

3. Project Objectives

• Primary Goal: To reduce the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and fecal coliform levels in the Raghunathganj stretch of the Ganga by 40% within 12 months.

• Secondary Goals:

  • Establish a 100% segregated solid waste collection system in wards bordering the river.

  • Install in-situ bioremediation measures on major drains flowing into the river.

  • Beautify and modernize 3 key Ghats with proper sanitation facilities.

4. Strategic Components

Component A: Solid Waste Management (SWM)

• Source Segregation: Distribution of Blue (Dry) and Green (Wet) bins to households within 500 meters of the riverbank.

• Plastic Interception: Installation of "Trash Booms" (floating barriers) at the mouths of major nullahs (drains) to trap floating plastic before it enters the main river current.

• Composting Unit: Establishment of a decentralized organic waste composting unit to handle wet waste, preventing it from ending up in the river.

Component B: Liquid Waste Management

• Drain Bioremediation: Application of bio-enzymes and construction of artificial wetlands (Root Zone Technology) at drain exit points to naturally treat wastewater.

• Ghat Modernization: Construction of changing rooms and connection of Ghat drainage to the main sewage line/septic tanks to prevent soap and oil runoff into the river.

Component C: Community & Awareness (IEC Activities)

• "Ganga Praharis" (River Guardians): Training local youth volunteers to monitor ghats and prevent littering.

• School Engagement: Launching the "Nirmal Ganga" curriculum in local schools to educate students on waste reduction.

• Religious Leader Alignment: Workshops with local priests to encourage eco-friendly idol immersion and ritual waste disposal.

5. Implementation Roadmap

Phase	Timeline	Key Activities
Phase 1	Month 1-2	Baseline survey of water quality; Mapping of major drains; Stakeholder meetings with Raghunathganj Municipality.
Phase 2	Month 3-5	Procurement of equipment (bins, trash booms); Recruitment of staff; Launch of awareness campaigns.
Phase 3	Month 6-9	Installation of drain filters/screens; Rollout of door-to-door collection; Ghat renovation.
Phase 4	Month 10-12	Monitoring water quality; Impact assessment; Handover of operations to local committee.

6. Expected Impact

1. Ecological: Significant reduction in floating solid waste and improved Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels in the river.

2. Social: Improved hygiene and sanitation for the residents of Raghunathganj.

3. Economic: Creation of green jobs (waste collectors, recycling sorters) for the local community.

7. Conclusion

The "Integrated Waste Management & River Restoration Project" views the Ganga not just as a water body, but as a lifeline for Raghunathganj. By fixing the waste management system on land, we protect the water. This project solicits the support of SSSF to make Raghunathganj a model town for river conservation in West Bengal.