Karnataka Orders Inspection of Private Sewage Plants Across Bengaluru
Karnataka has ordered inspections of private STPs in Bengaluru and directed BWSSB to divert wastewater from stormwater drains, as the city's treatment gap stands at 1,215.5 MLD.
Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to inspect private sewage treatment plants (STPs) operating in apartments, educational institutions, commercial complexes, hospitals and office buildings across Bengaluru, and to verify that they meet prescribed pollution-control standards.
The instruction follows growing concern over untreated and partially treated sewage being released into the city's water bodies. The Minister also asked the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to ensure that sewage is routed to STPs for proper treatment and safe disposal.
As part of the measures, BWSSB has been told to lay missing stretches of sewer lines so that wastewater currently entering stormwater drains can be diverted into the sewerage network. Damaged manholes are to be repaired or reconstructed without delay.
KSPCB and BWSSB have also been directed to carry out joint field inspections of liquid and solid waste generated by industries, with a focus on industrial areas such as Peenya and Jigani, and to take action to prevent pollution.
A review of Bengaluru's sewage management capacity showed that the city generates about 2,580 million litres per day (MLD), while the 37 existing STPs can treat 1,364.5 MLD, leaving a gap of 1,215.5 MLD. Projects already under way involving 42 STPs are expected to add 1,147 MLD, and upgrades to existing plants a further 60 MLD, which would bring the projected shortfall down to 8.5 MLD.
Under the expansion plan, seven STPs with a combined capacity of 51 MLD are to be completed by December 2026, followed by 17 plants adding 413 MLD by December 2027. Nine more STPs with a total capacity of 148 MLD are targeted for December 2028, and another nine with 535 MLD for December 2029.
Mr. Reddy further instructed BWSSB to ensure that all STPs comply with the standards set by the National Green Tribunal and KSPCB. Plants found not meeting these norms have been given 30 days to fall in line. BWSSB has also been asked to identify illegal sewer connections in areas where sewer networks exist and to ensure that residents are given proper sewerage connections.