Bengaluru, Sep 10 (PTI) Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed officials to augment sewage treatment capacity in Bengaluru and divert sewage flowing into storm-water drains to treatment plants.
The directions were issued at a meeting in Bengaluru to review measures to prevent pollution of water bodies due to the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage, according to a government release on Thursday.
The release said the city currently generates 2,580 million litres per day of sewage, against an existing treatment capacity of 1,364.5 MLD through 37 sewage treatment plants.
Reddy directed the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board to ensure that all STPs operate according to standards prescribed by the National Green Tribunal and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.
“Instructions have been issued to ensure that such STPs comply with the prescribed standards within 30 days,” the release said.
The city has 42 STPs under various ongoing projects with a combined capacity of 1,147 MLD, while another 60 MLD of capacity is to be added through the upgradation of existing plants.
This would leave a treatment gap of 8.5 MLD, according to the release.
The BWSSB plans to complete 7 STPs with a combined capacity of 51 MLD by December 2026, 17 STPs with a capacity of 413 MLD by December 2027, 9 STPs with a capacity of 148 MLD by December 2028 and another 9 STPs with a capacity of 535 MLD by December 2029.
The State Forest and Environment Department also directed the KSPCB to inspect all private STPs in apartments, educational institutions, commercial complexes, hospitals and office buildings in Bengaluru and ensure compliance with prescribed standards.
The BWSSB has been asked to lay missing portions of sewer lines to divert wastewater flowing into storm-water drains to STPs, besides taking immediate remedial action to repair or reconstruct damaged manholes.
The minister directed the KSPCB and BWSSB to jointly inspect the management of liquid and solid waste generated by industries, particularly in Peenya, Jigani and other industrial areas.
The BWSSB was asked to complete STP projects within the stipulated timelines and identify illegal sewer connections in areas where sewerage networks are available, but residents have not obtained connections.
It was asked to conduct field inspections and provide sewerage connections. PTI GMS SSK
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