RTI Reveals Six Untapped Drains Polluting Kedarnath-Gaurikund Belt
RTI replies show six drains in the Kedarnath-Gaurikund-Sonprayag region were classified as untapped in pre-monsoon monitoring, with high pollution readings near Gaurikund market.
Current Summary
RTI replies obtained by Noida-based activist Amit Gupta show that six drains in the Kedarnath-Gaurikund-Sonprayag region were classified as 'untapped' in pre-monsoon monitoring data from the Central Pollution Control Board, while sewer connections at Gaurikund remain limited despite a functioning sewage treatment plant. Samples were collected on May 12 and 13, 2026. The Gaurikund Market drain recorded the highest biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) at 242 mg/L, followed by the Car Parking drain in Sonprayag at 143 mg/L, and a drain near the Sulabh Shauchalaya in Gaurikund at 96 mg/L. At Kedarnath Sangam, near the Saraswati-Mandakini bridge, BOD was 48 mg/L, while two other Kedarnath locations recorded 2 mg/L each. The Gaurikund Market drain also recorded the highest chemical oxygen demand (COD), at 386 mg/L, followed by the Sonprayag car park drain at 282 mg/L. Total suspended solids ranged from below detection level at one Kedarnath site to 175 mg/L near the Gaurikund Sulabh Shauchalaya. The findings have raised questions about wastewater management in the ecologically sensitive pilgrimage region and its potential impact on the Mandakini river system.
What We Know
- CPCB monitoring records identify six untapped drains in Kedarnath, Gaurikund and Sonprayag, per RTI replies obtained by activist Amit Gupta.
- Samples were collected on May 12 and 13, 2026; all six drains were categorised as untapped.
- Gaurikund Market drain recorded the highest BOD at 242 mg/L and the highest COD at 386 mg/L.
- Sonprayag car parking drain recorded BOD of 143 mg/L and COD of 282 mg/L.
- A drain near the Sulabh Shauchalaya in Gaurikund recorded BOD of 96 mg/L.
- Kedarnath Sangam near the Saraswati-Mandakini bridge recorded BOD of 48 mg/L; two other Kedarnath sites recorded 2 mg/L each.
- Total suspended solids ranged from below detection level at one Kedarnath site to 175 mg/L near the Gaurikund Sulabh Shauchalaya.
- Sewer connections at Gaurikund remain limited despite a functioning sewage treatment plant.
What Is Still Unclear
- Whether authorities plan remedial measures to address the untapped drains.
- Current status of sewer connection expansion at Gaurikund.
What Changed
- 5 Nov, 01:10 pmSignal detected: RTI Reveals Six Untapped Drains Polluting Kedarnath-Gaurikund Belt