River Ravi Commission Report

8/12/2019 River Ravi Commission Report

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Report of River Ravi Commission sub-committee:Findings of visits to

Bioremediation sites, Islamabad &Waste Stabilization Ponds, Faisalabad

August 2012


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August 2012

Photographs used in this report were taken by Sohail Ali Naqvi, WWF-Pakistan & Mr. Nihal Asghar,

SEAL.

This report is produced for River Ravi Commission and can be used as a reference giving credits to

the authors.

Citation: Naqvi S.A., S.N. Asghar, M.A. Mehmood, A. Abbas, S.A. Kashmiri (2012) . Report of RiverRavi Commission sub-committee: Findings of visits to Bioremediation sites, Islamabad &Waste Stabilization Plant, Faisalabad. A report submitted to River Ravi Commission. pp .1-38.

Copyright: 2012 WWF Pakistan.

All rights reserved. Reproduction of this publication for educational and other non-commercial

purposes is authorized without prior permission from the copyright holder, provided the source is fully

acknowledged.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means photographic,

electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information storage and

retrieval systems without permission of the author.

Available from: WWF Pakistan, Ferozepur Road, Lahore

Report Prepared By: Naqvi S.A., S.N. Asghar, M.A. Mehmood, A. Abbas, S.A. Kashmiri


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Report of River Ravi Commission sub-committee "

Report of River Ravi Commission sub-committee:

Findings of visits toBioremediation sites, Islamabad &

Waste Stabilization Ponds, Faisalabad

August 2012


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""

Acknowledgements

We are thankful to River Ravi Commission for providing us an opportunity and their

confidence on us to carry out this study. We are also thankful to WWF-Pakistan for

providing logistical support to visit Bioremediation Sites at Islamabad and Waste

Stabilization Ponds at Faisalabad. We are also grateful to the team of Bioremediation Unitat National Agriculture Research Center, Islamabad and WASA, EPD Faisalabad for

sparing their time and giving us detailed briefing about the waste water treatment plants.

The members of sub-committee are also thankful to GEL laboratory and EPD Government

of Punjab for conducting analysis of water samples collected from the waste water

treatment plants. The team also wishes to thank staff from WASA, Lahore for arranging visit

to Babu Sabu area for selection of site for future intervention. We would also like to

acknowledge the support of GIS team from WWF-Pakistan and GPS team of SEAL

laboratory for their help to conduct survey at Babu Sabu.

Members of Sub-committee of River Ravi Commission

August, 2012


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Report of River Ravi Commission sub-committee """

Table of Contents

________________________________________________________________________

S. No. Title Page No.

1.

2.

2.1.

2.1.1.

2.1.2.

2.2.

3.3.1.

3.2.

4.

5.

5.1.

5.2.

Annex 1

Acknowledgements

List of AbbreviationsList of Figures

List of Tables

Summary

Introduction

Field Visits

Visit to Constructed Wetlands at NARC, Islamabad

Experimental site (Bioremediation Garden)

Visit to Bioremediation Orchards

Visit to Waste Stabilization Ponds, Faisalabad

Results and DiscussionCharacteristics of treated wastewater from Constructed Wetlands,

NARC, Islamabad

Characteristics of Treated water from Waste Stabilization Ponds,

Faisalabad

Conclusions

Recommendations

Demonstration Project of Bioremediation for Lahore

Cost Estimation of the Demonstration Plant

Notification of River Ravi Commission by Lahore High Court,Lahore

ii

ivv

vii

viii

9

12

12

12

14

17

2323

25

27

28

28

32

35


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List of Abbreviation

Annex ....................................................................................................................... Annexure0C .................................................................................................................... Degree CelsiusBOD ............................................................................................. Biological Oxygen DemandBOQ .................................................................................................................. Bill of QuantityCOD .............................................................................................. Chemical Oxygen DemandE ........................................................................................................................................EastEPD ........................................ Environmental Protection Department, Government of PunjabFig. ................................................................................................................................. FigureGEL ..................................................................................... Global Environmental LaboratoryGPS ............................................................................................... Global Positioning Systemh or hr ............................................................................................................................. Hoursha .............................................................................................................................. Hectares

HRT ................................................................................................. Hydraulic Retention TimeKm ............................................................................................................................. KilometreLCS ............................................................................................Lahore Conservation SocietyLDPE ............................................................................................... Low Density PolyethylenepH ................................................................................................ Hydrogen ion concentrationPELA ................................................................ Pakistan Environmental Lawyers AssociationPILAP .......................................................... Public Interest Litigation Association of Pakistanm ................................................................................................................................... Metersm3 ......................................................................................................................................................................................Cubic MeterMAF .............................................................................................................. Million Acre Feetmm ........................................................................................................................... Millimetre

N ..................................................................................................................................... NorthNARC ........................................................ National Agricultural Research Center, IslamabadNEQS .................................................................... National Environmental Quality StandardsNo. .............................................................................................................................. NumberP.M ..................................................................................................................... post MeridianR.R.C ................................................................................................. River Ravi CommissionSEAL ............................................................. Solution Environment and analytical laboratoryTDS ...................................................................................................... Total Dissolved SolidsTemp ................................................................................................................... TemperatureTSS ................................................................................................... Total Suspended SolidsWASA ....................................................................................... Water and Sanitation Agency

WSP ................................................................................................. Waste Stabilisation PlantWWF ............................................................................ World Wide Fund for Nature PakistanWWT .................................................................................................. Waste Water Treatment


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Report of River Ravi Commission sub-committee #

List of Figures

Figures Description Page No.

Figure 1 Bioremediation at the NARC Garden 13

Figure 2 Aquaculture wetland at NARC Garden 13Figure 3 Color of water after treatement 13

Figure 4 Water Lettuce for the bioremediation 13

Figure 5Schematic diagram of Experimental Bioremediation Garden

at NARC14

Figure 6 A view of Bioremediation Orchards at NARC 15

Figure 7 Inlet watercourse for the treatment into NARC orchard 16

Figure 8 Sedimentation tank at NARC Orchard 16

Figure 9 Plantation area for different species of plants 16

Figure 10 Constructed wetlands (Water Lettuce) 16

Figure 11 Color of treated water 16

Figure 12 Treated water flowing (Within NEQS) 16

Figure 13 Schematic diagram of WSP at Faisalabad 18

Figure 14 Wastewater inlet into Screen chamber 18

Figure 15 Grid bars for the solids removal 18

Figure 16 Flow meter for flow measuring in chambers 19

Figure 17 Grit removal chamber 19

Figure 18 Inlet channel for anaerobic ponds 19

Figure 19 Water collection chamber from lined channel 19

Figure 20 Sludge ponds 20

Figure 21 Anaerobic pond 20

Figure 22 Facultative ponds 20

Figure 23 Facultative pond No. 2 20

Figure 24 Treated water discharge into Paharang drain 21

Figure 25 Incomplete infrastructure for water uplifting 21

Figure 26 Untreated water used for Agriculture 22

Figure 27 Treated water used for Agriculture 22

Figure 28Water sampling points at Bioremediation Garden, NARC,

Islamabad24

Figure 29Water sampling points at Bioremediation Orchard, NARC,

25


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Islamabad

Figure 30Wastewater passing through nallah after pumping at Babu

Sabu29

Figure 31 Flood protection bund on WASA land 29

Figure 32 Naturally grown wetlands in wastewater 29

Figure 33 Agriculture on WASA acquired land 29

Figure 34 Map of the site proposed for Bioremediation at Babu Sabu 31

Figure 35 Elevation of the proposed site at Babu Sabu 32


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Report of River Ravi Commission sub-committee #""

List of Tables

Table No. Description Page No.

Table 1.1List of major disposal stations with discharging capacity into

River Ravi

10

Table 3.1aReport of water sample analysis from Bioremediation

Garden, NARC, Islamabad23

Table 3.1bReport of water sample analysis from Bioremediation

Orchard, NARC, Islamabad

24

Table 3.2Report of Waste Water samples analysis collected from

WASA treatment plant Chakera, Faisalabad26

Table 5.1

The land requirements and cost estimation for the

construction of ponds at Babu Sabu 33

Table 5.2 The material required for the constructed wetlands 33


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Summary

Lahore High Court established a River Ravi Commission (RRC) to provide suggestion toimprove the ecology of River Ravi and suggest some indigenous technology to reduce thepollution load in the waste water entering into the River Ravi on regular basis. The RRCmade a sub-committee to evaluate two on-going waste water treatment approaches locatedat Islamabad and Faisalabad. Visit to both sites were made by the sub-committee membersand based on these visits sub-committee suggests to develop a bioremediation projectbased on the concept of Constructed wetlands initially as demonstration for 10 cusec ofwaste water. Based on survey, a piece of land at Babu Sabu covering an area of about 50acres has been proposed for the development of constructed wetlands. Based on theperformance of this unit further decision will be made.


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Report of River Ravi Commission sub-committee

$

1. Introduction

River Ravi is the smallest of five main Eastern tributaries of the Indus. It starts from

basin of Bangal and flows in the southern slopes of Dhanladhar. In the mountainous

area, the Ravi flows at 290 Km with a total drop of 4,570 meters at about 21.77 m perKm. Its average slope is 8.52 m per Km. After passing through Gurdaspur District of

India, it enters into Pakistan near Jassar, about 120 km upstream of Lahore and flows

down to about 520 km to join the River Chenab near Kabirwala. The major water usage

of River Ravi is for agriculture.

The catchment area and River bed lies between 3 10 -15 and 3 10-42 North latitude

and 74o- 01 and 74-39 East longitude. River Ravi flows in the west of Lahore District

forming the boundary with Sheikhupura District. The flow area experiences extremes of

climate. The temperatures vary from 27.4 0C to 40.4 0C in summer and 5.9 0C to 22 0C

in winter and the average annual rainfall in Lahore is about 629 mm. The area isgenerally flat and slopes towards south and south west at an average gradient of

1:3000. The soil is generally alluvial and depth of 24.4 30.5 meters.

Pollution Load in River Ravi :There are many industries located near the River Ravi

and through their effluent into the River, in addition, it brings some effluent from India as

well. Almost all of the municipal waste of Lahore city is also dumped into the River Ravi.

Therefore, River Ravi is being polluted with industrial and municipal wastewater. The

flow in the River Ravi is highly variable from less than 10 m3/s to 10,000 m3/sec

between 1967-2004and present discharge has been reduced upto 1,357.7 Million m3

(1.1 MAF) because of irrigation and hydropower diversions put by India. So at the

upstream of Balloki head, the river has mostly discharge of wastewater where dilution

factor of 1:10 is not being met. There are 15 main drains in Lahore and Shekhupura

which are discharging municipal and industrial wastewater directly into River Ravi

without any treatment. The list of existing 12 major pumping stations of Lahore

discharging wastewater into River Ravi is given in Table 1.1.1

%&'()* +,%,* -./ 01/02123415 63785 49 :2.41/ ;23/1 6700014#/>/93 014?/@3 "9

A2B"6329* &'() 1/0413 C)D) :2.41/ 1/0413 94E+F* 00GHGFIE


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Table 1.1 List of major disposal stations with discharging capacity into River Ravi

Sr.

No

Name of the disposal station Discharge Capacity

m3/s (Cusec)

1 Farukhabad drain 5.13 m3/s (181 cusec)

2 Mehmood Booti 6.36 m3/s (224 cusec)

3 Shad Bagh 6.78 m3/s (240 cusec)

4 Khokhar Road 4.77 m3/s (168 cusec)

5 Bhatti Gate 2.84 m3/s (100 cusec)

6 Main outfall-1 5.13 m3/s (181 cusec)



9 Gulshan-e-Ravi 15.86 m3/s (560 cusec)

10 Multan road 6.78 m3/s (240 cusec)

11 LMP Block, Model Town

Extension

3.55 m3/s (125 cusec)

12 Nishtar Colony 3.15 m3/s (111 cusec)

A Writ petition was submitted in the Green Bench of Lahore High Court on the issues of

discharge of untreated municipal and industrial wastewater into the River Ravi by Public

Interest Litigation Association of Pakistan (PILAP), PELA and LCS. In the writ, it was

stated that major disposal of wastewater in the River Ravi occurs in the 84 kilometers

reach of the river between the Ravi Siphon and the Balloki Headworks. During this

reach, the River Ravi receives municipal as well as industrial wastewater of 15 drains

from Lahore and Shahdara.

As a response of writ petition, Lahore High Court made a Commission for reviving the

ecology of River Ravi. The Commission is working under the chairmanship of Dr.

Kauser A. Malik and has members from the provincial Government Departments (EPD,

WASA etc.), representatives from non-government organizations and technical experts


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for the solution of controlling the pollution in River Ravi with some practical and feasible

solutions using indigenous technologies (Notification is attached as Annex 1). In the

second meeting of River Ravi Commission held on 30thJuly 2012 at EPD Committee

room, the Committee was informed that some practices are going on to take care the

pollution in Islamabad and Faisalabad. It was decided in the meeting to make a Sub-Committee of technical experts who would visit the sites for the possible solution of

treatment of water discharging into River Ravi and submit a report.

The members of sub-committee of River Ravi Commission are:

i. Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Kashmiri, Director (WWT), WASA, Lahore

ii. Mr. Ali Abbas, Deputy Director Labs, EPD, Punjab

iii. Mr. Syed Nihal Asghar, Director, SEAL, Lahore

iv. Mr. Asim Mahmood, Director, GEL, Lahore

v. Mr. Sohail Ali Naqvi, Coordinator, WWF Pakistan, Lahore

vi. Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, Senior Director, WWF Pakistan, Lahore

The TORs of the sub-committee were developed under the discussion in the meeting of

RRC at EPD, Lahore.

To see the feasibility of the on-going waste water treatment options at Islamabad

(Bio-remediation plant, Constructed Wetland) and Faisalabad (Waste

Stabilization Pond) its application in Lahore by

a) Having site visits in Islamabad and Faisalabad and probe in detail the

different aspects for setting up such a facility at River Ravi

b) Based on the findings shall recommend a demonstration site for Lahore

According to the TORs, the sub-committee visited two sites to see Bio-remediation atNARC, Islamabad on August 02, 2012 and Waste Stabilization Plant (WSP) atFaisalabad on August 07, 2012. After the visit numerous meetings of the sub-committeewere held. For site selection for the development of a Constructed Wetland at RiverRavi, a visit to Babu Sabu was also made on August 18, 2012 and a possible site of 50Acres has been identified.


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2. Field Visits

The details of the observations of these visits are as under

2.1 Visit to Constructed Wetlands at NARC

Constructed Wetlands: Generally wetlands are of three types: i- Natural Wetland, ii-

Aquaculture Wetland, and iii- Constructed Wetlands

Constructed wetlands are man-made wetlands used to remove various types of

pollutants present in wastewater passing through this system. They are constructed to

recreate the structure and functions of natural wetlands. They possess a rich microbial

community to effect the biochemical transformation of pollutants; they are biologically

productive and most important they are self-sustaining.

Bioremediation is the use of micro-organism metabolism, plants and enzymes to

remove pollutants from the water.

There are two sites where bioremediation techniques have been adopted at NARC. A

smaller site is called as Bioremediation Garden and a larger site is known as

Bioremediation Orchards. A field visit for both sites at NARC, Islamabad was arranged

by WWF on August 02, 2012.

2.1.1 Experimental site (Bioremediation Garden)

The Bioremediation Garden covers an area of about 1579 m

2

(0.39 acres) and hasvarious components described as follows:

a. Source of wastewater: At the experimental site, the wastewater comes from the

residential areas, hostels, mosques and laboratories etc. This wastewater is stored at

the septic tank where some bacteria are added as inoculums and after pumping it is

sent to the experimental site for bioremediation.


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Fig.1Bioremediation at the NARC Garden Fig.2Aquaculture wetland at NARC Garden

Fig.3Color of water after treatement Fig.4Water Lettuce for the bioremediation

b. Construction of Wetland:The plots are lined with polyethylene sheets to prevent

wastewater from leaching into groundwater. On these sheets a layer of soil (1 ft),gravels, sands are placed for making a proper constructed wetland. After the

construction it is populated by native wetland plants to aid in waste water treatment.

In the wetlands there are 7 plots (1 constructed wetland) where different types of plants

have been introduced for the treatment of wastewater i.e. Water lettuce, Duckweed,

Penny water etc. The total water storage of these plots is 1000.39 m3 and total area is

1579 m2.


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Fig.5: Schematic diagram of Experimental Bioremediation Garden at NARC

c. Usage of treated wastewater: After the treatment this treated wastewater is used for

the irrigation purposes by the sprinkler irrigation. This water is used to irrigate 1.42 ha

(3.5 acres) area by sprinkler irrigations in 5 lines.

2.1.2 Visit to Bioremediation Orchards

Bioremediation is a larger unit and has more capacity as compare to the BioremediationGarden. The technical specifications of bioremediation orchards are as follows:

Area = 2.84 ha

Hydraulic retention time = 7days

Daily water intake = 0.65 Million US Gallons (86,920 ft3/d) = 2,463 m

3/day

Storage capacity = 4.69 Million US Gallons (0.63 Million ft3) = 17,775 m

3

Total construction cost = 3.5 Million Rs.

a. Sources of Wastewater: The wastewater was coming from Shahzad Town, a

residential colonies of 300 households. Every house has its own septic tank from where

this wastewater comes through lined channel into the inlet of Sedimentation tank.

b. Sedimentation Tank: There are two sedimentation tanks for the removal of TSS

(Total Suspended Solids). The purpose of these sedimentation tanks is biodegradation

of organic material and removal of TSS. Each tank is 8ft deep and bacteria are inserted

as inoculums in these tanks. Numerous grasses and vegetation was growing at the

sedimentation tank. After this treatment, water is sent to the wetlands. In these


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sedimentation tanks LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) sheets has been placed at base

to avoid the seepage and leaching effects. The remaining solid waste from

sedimentation tank is rich in nutrients and can be used as compost.

c. Constructed Wetlands: There are 6 plots for the treatment of wastewater at NARCBioremediation Orchard site. A large number of plants (Approx. 25,000) have been

placed in these wetlands and major species of these plants present in this area are

Water Lettuce, Penny worth and Vetiver Grass etc.

The water enters in the plantation area through field nakkas. After this plot water enters

into detention ponds below the brick constructed underground wall (1.7 m). So the water

enters into the plots through underground pipes. The hydraulic retention time of water is

7 days.

d. Usage of Treated Water: After treatment this water is used for the irrigation

purposes. This water is also beneficial for the crops as well as for the groundwater

recharge.

Fig.6A view of Bioremediation Orchards at NARC


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Fig.7 Inlet watercourse for the treatment into

NARC orchard

Fig.8Sedimentation tank at NARC Orchard

Fig.9 Plantation area for different species of

plants

Fig.10 Constructed wetlands (Water Lettuce)


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Fig.11Color of treated water Fig.12Treated water flowing (Within NEQS)

2.2. Visit to Waste Stabilization Ponds, Faisalabad

Stabilization ponds consist of shallow man-made basins comprising a single or several

series of anaerobic, facultative or maturation ponds. The primary treatment takes place

in the anaerobic pond, which is mainly designed for removing suspended solids, and

some of the soluble element of organic matter (BOD). During the secondary stage in the

facultative pond most of the remaining BOD is removed through the coordinated activity

of algae and heterotrophicbacteria.2

A field visit was arranged by WWF with the help of EPD on 7

th

August 2012 forFaisalabad to see the Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSP) at Achokera site in Faisalabad

for the sewage (70%) and industrial (30%) wastewater treatment. The WSP (Waste

Stabilization Ponds) plants construction was completed in year 1998 with total cost of

approx. 450 Million Rs. The total area for this WSP is 202.4 hectares (500 Acres). There

are 6 anaerobic ponds and 6 Facultative ponds in this arrangement.

a. Screen Chamber: It is the first step of pretreatment of wastewater. There are 3

screen chambers in this system and the water comes inside these chambers with an

average flow of 10,201 m3/hr (100 cusec). Each screen chamber consists of grit bars

(5.8 m) for the removal of solid waste from the wastewater. The waste from these bars

is collected manually and these bars move up and down with an angle.

A Schematic diagram of the waste stabilization ponds is given below as Fig 13:

+.330MNN/9E;"B"0/8"2E41=N;"B"ND32O"


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Fig.13: Schematic diagram of WSP at Faisalabad


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Fig.14Wastewater inlet into Screen chamber Fig.15 Grid bars for the solids removal

Fig.16 Flow meter for flow measuring inchambers Fig.17 Grit removal chamber

Fig.18Inlet channel for anaerobic ponds Fig.19 Water collection chamber from lined

channel


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Fig. 20Sludge ponds Fig.21Anaerobic pond

b. Pumping Stations: After passing through the grit chamber, the wastewater enters

into pumping stations. There are 6 pumps in the station for pumping wastewater into the

anaerobic ponds. Each pump has a capacity of 2550 m3/hr (25 cusec) discharge.

c. Anaerobic Ponds: The wastewater comes into anaerobic ponds through lined

trapezoidal channel having 2.4 m (7.9 ft) top width with 1 m (3.28 ft) depth. The purpose

of anaerobic ponds is settling of some waste as well as biodegradation of organic

waste. There are 6 anaerobic ponds. The wastewater comes into these ponds through

the channel and is equally distributed into these ponds i.e. 100 cusec wastewater is

divided into 6 ponds equally. Then after a Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) of 24 hrs this

treated water goes into facultative ponds. The area of 2 anaerobic ponds is approx.

17,954 m2(4.4 acres) each and approx. total area of anaerobic ponds is 12.15 ha (30

acres).

d. Facultative ponds: Water from the anaerobic ponds flows into the oxidation or

facultative ponds through the drains. In these ponds, additional settling of solids and

biological treatment of organic matter in the water occurs. Some of the fecal coliforms in

the water are also removed. There are 6 facultative ponds in WSP at Achokera plant.

The water from anaerobic ponds enters into Facultative Pond No-1 and after retentiontime enters into Pond-2 and then finally into Pond-3. From Pond-3 it discharges into

field for irrigation purposes or into the Paharang drain. The other three ponds 4, 5 & 6

were designed for the backup when more wastewater comes or during de-silting of the

first three ponds the wastewater could be moved towards these ponds. But in actual

practice those all six ponds are in working conditions. The total hydraulic retention time

of this WSP plant is 19-20 days.


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e. Sludge Ponds: These are ponds where the sludge from the ponds will be dried and

then can be used as compost or for agriculture manure. The designed life of Waste

stabilization Ponds for sludging is approx. 30 years so no sludge is found in these

ponds.

Fig.22Facultative ponds Fig.23Facultative pond No. 2

f. Usage of treated water: The treated water is used for the irrigation purposes in the

nearby areas. Unfortunately because of unawareness the farmers prefer to use

untreated wastewater for their crops which is very risky as in the untreated wastewaterabout 30% industrial effluents also included which is hazardous to the public health. The

overflow water from the ponds is also discharged into the Paharang drain which should

be utilized in other ways instead of making part of industrial effluents present in the

drain.

Fig.24Treated water discharge into Paharang

drain

Fig.25 Incomplete infrastructure for water

uplifting


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Fig.26Untreated water used for Agriculture Fig.27Treated water used for Agriculture


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3. Results and Discussion

3.1 Characteristics of treated wastewater from Constructed Wetlands, NARC,

Islamabad

Water samples were taken from different points of the Bioremediation Garden and were

tested in the GEL Lahore (Global Environmental Laboratory) for the analysis of pollution

parameters like BOD, COD, TSS and TDS etc. the results of these tests are as below in

Table 3.1.

It was observed that after the treatment of wetlands the water quality falls within NEQS

at the Bioremediation Garden site of NARC (experimental site). TDS was removed from

450 mg/l to 310 mg/l. The COD was found 61 mg/l and at the outlet of theBioremediation Garden COD was 44 mg/l.

Table 3.1 a :Report of water sample analysis from Bioremediation Garden, NARC,

Islamabad

Sr.

No.

Parameters Concentration (mg/l)

Garden 1 Garden 2 Garden 3

1 pH 7.8 7.5 7.6

2 TSS 17 86 67

3 TDS 450 410 310

4 Chloride 16.4 12.8 7.0

5 BOD 28 44 20

6 COD 61 93 44

According to the above results it is stated that the pollution load is reduced with

bioremediation techniques by using aquaculture and constructed wetlands. The

pollution load of BOD, COD falls within NEQS.


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Fig. 28. Water sampling points at Bioremediation Garden, NARC, Islamabad

At Bioremediation Orchard, NARC, Islamabad: After the treatment of constructed

wetlands, the treated water falls within permissible limits (NEQS). The TDS falls from

660 mg/l to 530 mg/l. The BOD falls from 248 mg/l to 43 mg/l and the COD falls from

590 mg/l to 56 mg/l. So from the results it is seen that about 83% BOD and 86% COD

are removed efficiently from Orchard-1 to Orchard-2, while after Orchard-4 about 90% &

89% of BOD and COD are removed respectively which shows the performance of

working wetland is very high. Similarly TSS removal efficiency from Orchard-1 to

Orchard-2 is 70 % while after orchard-4 this removal is 88%.

Table 3.1 b: Report of water sample analysis from Bioremediation Orchards,

NARC, Islamabad

Sr. No. Parameter Concentration (mg/l)

Orchard 1 Orchard 2 Orchard 3 Orchard 4

1 pH 7.6 7.7 7.6 8.0

2 TSS 264 79 48 33


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3 TDS 660 640 650 530

4 Chloride 16.6 5.0 39.6 34.4

5 BOD 248 43 26 25

6 COD 509 92 57 56

Fig.29. Water sampling points at Bioremediation Orchard, NARC, Islamabad

3.2 Characteristics of Treated water from Waste Stabilization Ponds,

Faisalabad

The wastewater samples were taken by Environment Protection Department (EPD),

Government of Punjab and samples were tested in EPD laboratory Lahore. The results

in table 3.2 show that the wastewater before treatment and after treatment is unfit for

irrigation purposes and quality parameters (BOD, COD, sulfides) do not fall within

NEQS. Although TDS and TSS were removed 26% and 70% respectively but still

Sulphides are very high in the treated water i.e. 4mg/l. The BOD and COD values

before treatment were found 196 and 459 mg/l respectively. After treatment with a


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series of anaerobic and facultative ponds the BOD and COD values were found 88 and

215 mg/l which are higher than the NEQS values. The TSS removal efficiency was

found 70% which is satisfactory but the removal efficiencies of BOD and COD after a

series of treatment are 55% and 53% respectively which is less efficient as compared to

the constructed wetlands. There were a few shortcomings found in the WasteStabilization Ponds. The main drawback is more land requirement in WSP than any

other treatment and these Ponds consume more time to obtain the desired results.

Table 3.2: Report of Waste Water samples analysis collected from WASA treatment plant Chakera,

Faisalabad (Date of sample collection: August 07, 2012)

Sr.No

Description Temp. pH BODmg/l

CODmg/l

TDSmg/l

TSSmg/l

Cl-

mg/l

SO4-

mg/l

Sulfidemg/l

Remark

NEQS 6-9 80 150 3500 200 1000 600 1.0

1Before

Treatment28 6.7

196459 2520 200 730 460 12

BOD,CO

and

Sulfide

not within

NEQS

limits

2

Before

Treatment

Use For Agri.

Purpose

28 6.9

144

326 2100 200 600 315 04

-do-

3From

Anaerobic

Pond No.1

30 6.9156

370 2160 90 585 272 08-do-

4From

Anaerobic

Pond No.4

30 6.9132

304 2060 80 600 288 04-do-

5From

Facultative

Pond No.1

30 6.9122

280 2220 140 625 333 04-do-

6FromFacultative

Pond No.2

28 6.9118

288 2130 80 615 246 08-do-

7From

Facultative

Pond No.3

30 7.194

230 2230 80 635 318 04-do-

8 From

Facultative

30 6.9102

226 2140 90 630 308 04-do-


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+L

Pond No.4

9From

Facultative

Pond No.5

30 6.9102

228 2140 80 625 258 04-do-

10After Treatment

(Effluent)

28 6.9

88

215 1870 60 565 224 04

-do-

4. Conclusions

On the basis of above discussions (field visits and water analysis) it is concluded that

the Constructed Wetlands are more beneficial for the removal of organic loadings as

compared to Waste Stabilization Ponds. From the water analysis of both sites, it is

shown that in Constructed Wetlands, BOD and COD removal is 83% & 86%

respectively from first plot to 2ndplot while in WSP after a series of anaerobic ponds and

facultative ponds the COD removal efficiency is only 55%. The area required for the

treatment of wastewater is dependent on the BOD loading of wastewater. On the basis

of above results it is estimated that in the Constructed Wetlands for the treatment of 1

cusec discharge approximately 0.8-1.0 ha (2-2.5 acres) area is required.

On the basis of site visits and above results it is recommended that for Lahore City

Bioremediation Technology is better suited and feasible with Constructed Wetlands,

aquaculture and microorganism consortia. The constructed wetlands have followingadvantages:

Aesthetics and have tourism potential

Environment friendly

Cost effective and can generate resources

Easy to use

Rehabilitation of natural resources

However there are some limitations of Constructed Wetlands as well which are as

follows:

Time Taking

Acceptability

Although the Waste Stabilization Ponds are effective for reducing pollution load from the

wastewater but it has many limitations i.e. more land required than any other treatment


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(approx. 2.02 ha for 1 cusec discharge). In Lahore City, mostly area is covered by the

dense population so the area for the treatment required is not easily available and high

capital cost is also required for the purchase of land for the treatment. In comparison

with Constructed Wetlands, the BOD loading results are more satisfactory than waste

stabilization ponds results. So for the Lahore city, Wetlands are more suitable for thewastewater treatment as compared to stabilization ponds. In these wetlands

combination of aquaculture, microbial consortia and constructed wetlands will be more

helpful for the removal of pollution than WSP. So bioremediation technology does not

require any electricity or power but once it is started, after 3 months it gives results and

after 3 years it becomes mature and works naturally.

5. Recommendations

5.1 Demonstration Project of Bioremediation for Lahore

Based on our visits and water sample analysis it is recommended that the Commission

shall suggest water treatment of River Ravi by using the Constructed Wetlands option. It

is also recommended that support from NARC shall be explored.

As per information provided by the Revenue Department, approximately 54,927 Kanal

of land is government owned property along the River Ravi in Lahore. The large land

area is available at Rakh Shahdara near Mehmood Booti (6000 Kanals). WASA has

also acquired about 370 ha (7300 Kanals) area for the wastewater treatment at Babu

Sabu.

A site visit to Babu Sabu was arranged by WASA and the site was visited by sub-

committee. The general GPS survey of the site was surveyed by GIS staff of WWF-

Pakistan and SEAL Laboratory. At the area a pumping station is discharging approx.

105 cusec wastewater on average basis.

The sub-committee also visited a site at Babu Sabu and was of the opinion that for the

wastewater treatment a 50 acre piece of land shall be allocated at Babu Sabu where

WASA has land of approximately 7300 Kanals (912 acres) for the wastewater

treatment. A Demonstration Constructed Wetlands should be established there on

experimental basis for discharge capacity of about 10 Cusec.


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+$

Fig.30 Wastewater passing through nallah after

pumpage

Fig.31 Flood protection bund on WASA land

Fig.32 Naturally grown wetlands in wastewater Fig.33Agriculture on WASA acquired land

On the basis of NARC Bioremediation Plants and WSP at Faisalabad, it is assumed that

1 cusec wastewater requires 0.81 hectares land for treatment. So on this basis land

required at Babu Sabu will be approx.20.24 ha (50 Acres) depending on the species

introduced for the waste reduction. A site has been selected for the establishment of

Bioremediation Plants by the sub-committee and the topography of the selected site is


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plain with little slope. By GPS survey, it is observed that the elevation of the selected

site is 189 to 205 m. The fig.35 shows the map of the site with elevations with

dark(Comparatively low elevation) and light colours (comparatively high elevation). The

red line in the below map shows the boundary of the land acquired by WASA for the

treatment and the white line shows the site selected for the Bioremediation Plant by thesub-committee as shown in fig. 34 &fig.35.

The bio-remediation plant should be installed with proper designing of constructed

wetlands, aquaculture plants, microbial consortia, etc. and it should be introduced after

brief socio-economic and environmental surveys of the area by the experts.


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Fig. 34 Map of the site proposed for Bioremediation at Babu Sabu


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Fig.35 Elevation of the proposed site at Babu Sabu

5.2 Cost Estimation of the Demonstration Plant

The wetlands consist of a series of ponds i.e aerobic ponds, anaerobic ponds, wetlands,

facultative ponds and clean water ponds.

The material used for the construction of wetlands is geo-membrane, soil, boulders,

bricks etc. The BOQ for the site is as under

On the basis of NARC constructed wetlands of 1 cusec, the land and cost required for

the ponds at Babu Sabu is as under.3

J-./ 23"49 R41

V2O7 D2O7 .26 O//9 /63">23/8E -./ @463 /63">23/ "6 3/9323"#/ ;."@. >25 #215 "9 1/2< =147986E


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JJ

Table. 5.1 The land and cost estimation for the construction of ponds

Area of NARC for

1 cusec

Construction cost

for NARC

Area of Babu

Sabu for 10 cusec

Construction Cost

for Babu Sabu for

10 cusec

Sedimentation ponds(2 nos.)

3887 m

(0.96 acres)

Rs. 731,850 38870 m

(9.6 acres)

Rs. 7,318,500

Constructed wetland(1 No.)

1620 m

(0.40 acres)

Rs. 350,000 16,200 m

(4 acres)

Rs. 3,500,000

Anaerobic & Aerobicpond

9717 m

(2.40 acres)

Rs. 1,914,375 97,170 m

(24 acres)

Rs. 19,143,750

Facultative pond (2

Nos.)

3644 m (0.90

acres)

Rs. 546,500 36,440 m (9

acres)

Rs. 5,465,000

Clean water pond (1No.)

2915 m (0.72acres)

Rs. 722,600 29,150 m (7.2acres)

Rs. 7,226,000

Total Area 4.26 Million Rs. 42.65 Million Rs.

Note: The cost of nursery, building and laboratory is not included in the table above.

The approx. material required for constructed wetlands is as under4

Table. 5.2 The material required for the constructed wetlands

Material 4 acre constructed wetland

Geo-membrane 2.06 ha (222,222 ft )

Soil 2,426 m (85,624 ft )

Boulders 7,279 m (256,872 ft )

Bricks 4,853 m(171,248 ft )

Crush 4,076 m(143,848 ft )

Sand 2426 m(85,624 ft )

Crush 3,251 m (114,736 ft )

F-./ >23/1"2< /63">23"49 R41 % 2@1/


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JF

Plastic Mesh 1.59 ha (171,248 ft )


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JH

Annexure-1

Form No: HCJD/C-121

ORDER SHEET IN THE LAHORE HIGH COURT LAHOREJUDICIAL DEPARTMENT W.P. No. 9137/2012

The Public Interest Litigation Association

of Pakistan, etc.

Versus The Government of the

Punjab, etc.

S.No. of order/Proceeding

Date of order/Proceeding

Order with signature of Judge/Custodian andthat of parties or counsel, where necessary

05 08.06.2012 Mr. Ahmad Rafay Alam, Advocate for the petitioners.

Khawaja Salman Mahmood, Assistant Advocate General, Pun

Mr. Zubda tul Hussain, Advocate for respondent WASA.M/s. Saima Khawaja and Nusrat Jahan Nabeela, Amici Curia

Mr. Ali Habib, WWF

Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Kashimiri, Director (WWT), WASA.

Mr. Falak Sher Malik, Deputy Director Legal WASA.

Mr. Kashif Mushtaq Warraich, Senior Law Officer, Industries

Department.

Mr. Azhar Hussain, D.O. (E&IP) Lahore.

Mr. Shah Faisal Aziz, Assistant Director Legal, LG&CD

Department, Govt. of the Punjab, Lahore.

C.M. No.2407/2012

In order to effectively proceed further in the matter, all the parties are in agreement that a

Commission be constituted to investigate into the issues raised in this petition and propose a

sustainable road map for restoring the natural ecology of River Ravi.

I. CONSTITUTION OF RIVER RAVI COMMISSION

2. River Ravi Commission is hereby constituted under Order 26 CPC, comprising the

following members:-1. Dr. Kosar Abdullah Malik Chairperson

2. Managing Director, WASA. Member

3. Mr. Ashtar Ausaf Ali Member

Advocate General, Punjab.

2 W.P.No.9137/2012

4. The Secretary, EPD Member, Govt. of the Punjab.


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5. Nominee of the Member

Lahore Chamber of Commerce To be appointed by the President Of the said Chamber

6. Commissioner Member, Lahore Division, Lahore

7. Mr. Vaqar Zakria Member (Environmental Expert)

8. Mr. Anjum Altaf Member (Economist)

9. Mr. Ali Habib Member Director General WWF Pakistan10. Mr. Kamil Khan Mumtaz Member (Petitioner)11. Mr. Ahmad Rafay Alam Member(Advocate/Counsel for the petitioners)

II. TERMS OF REFERENCE OF RIVER RAVI COMMISSION:-

3. Terms of reference of River Ravi Commission are as follows:-

Objective of Commission:

To restore the natural ecology of the River Ravi in the reach area.

Terms of Reference:

a) To map the hydrological and pollution characteristics of the River Ravi and effluent

discharging drain along the reach area and to identify the pollutants and polluters therein;b) To establish a river flow and quality model, inter alia, identifying and characterizing drains

and profiling3 W.P.No.9137/2012

seasonal characteristics of the River Ravi and effluent discharge drains;

c) To propose a pollution and effluent discharge reduction strategy, which shall include;

(i) Cost effective and practical engineering solutions;

(ii) Proposals regarding appropriate governance and management systems for operation of

sewage treatment facilities; and

(iii) Related institutional changes and financial strategy;

III. POWER OF THE COMMISSION

a) The above Commission shall enjoy the powers under Order 26 of the CPC in order to achievethe objective of the Commission..

b) The Commission shall have the power to co-opt any person/expert, at any stage.

c) The Commission can seek assistance of any Provincial Government Department by

approaching the concerned department in writing and the concerned Departments are hereby

directed to render full assistance to the Commission in respect of the above Terms of Reference.

IV. QUORUM OF THE COMMISSION

The quorum of the Commission shall be five which shall include the Chairperson.V. SECRETARIAT OF THE COMMISSION:

The seat of the Commission shall be the office of the Secretary EPD with the flexibility to use

the office of Director General WWF, Lahore, if required by the Commission.4 W.P.No.9137/2012


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VI. EXPENSES OF THE COMMISSION:

(a) Secretarial expenses of the Commission shall be borne by the EPD. WWF has undertaken to

supplement the secretarial expenses of EPD. The Commission shall develop a workable ratio in this

regard.(b) All the field trips and transport expenses will be borne by the Members themselves.

(c) The Commission may approach this court at any stage to seek appropriate orders for facilitation oftheir work.

VII. INTERIM REPORT

The Commission shall file an interim report on the progress made within two months from today.

4. To come up for hearing on 21.09.2012.

(Syed Mansoor Ali Shah)

Judge

Documents

River Ravi Commission Report