Bengaluru: Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed officials to take immediate measures to prevent untreated and partially treated sewage from entering water bodies in Bengaluru.
At a meeting on sewage management and the establishment and capacity enhancement of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) held at the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board’s (KSPCB) Parisara Bhavan on Thursday, the Minister asked the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to expedite measures to bridge the city’s sewage-treatment capacity gap.
According to officials, Bengaluru currently receives about 2,825 million litres of water a day from the Cauvery and borewells and generates around 2,580 MLD of sewage.
The BWSSB currently operates 37 STPs with a combined treatment capacity of 1,364.5 MLD, leaving a capacity gap of 1,215.5 MLD.
Officials said 42 additional STPs, with a combined capacity of 1,147 MLD, are under construction under various projects. Another 60 MLD of capacity is being added by upgrading existing plants. Once these projects are completed, the capacity deficit is expected to come down to 8.5 MLD.
Seven STPs by December 2026
The meeting was informed that seven STPs with a combined capacity of 51 MLD are targeted for completion by December 2026. Another 17 plants, with a capacity of 413 MLD, are scheduled to be completed by December 2027.
Nine plants with a combined capacity of 148 MLD are expected to be ready by December 2028, while nine more plants, with a capacity of 535 MLD, are scheduled for completion by December 2029.
30-day deadline for non-compliant plants
Mr. Reddy directed the BWSSB to ensure that all STPs comply with standards prescribed by the National Green Tribunal and the KSPCB. Plants identified as failing to meet the prescribed standards must be brought into compliance within 30 days, he said.
The Minister also directed KSPCB officials to inspect private STPs in apartment complexes, educational institutions, commercial establishments, hospitals and office buildings to verify their functioning and compliance with regulatory standards.
Sewage entering stormwater drains
The BWSSB was asked to complete pending “missing link” works wherever required to divert sewage flowing through stormwater drains to STPs. Damaged manholes should also be repaired or reconstructed on priority, he said.
Mr. Reddy further directed KSPCB and BWSSB officials to conduct joint inspections of industries in areas such as Peenya and Jigani to assess the management of liquid and solid waste.
He also instructed officials to complete all ongoing STP projects within the stipulated deadlines, identify households in areas with sewerage networks that have not yet obtained connections, and facilitate authorised connections.
Officials were also asked to identify and take action against illegal sewage connections, the meeting was informed.