Bengaluru civic body (BWSSB) to construct 9 new STPs on lakebeds

It looks like sewage treatment plants (STPs) are becoming indispensable for the ULBs to keep their pollution in check and local water resources in pristine condition. In a new development, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), is mulling to construct as many as nine STPs on its lake beds. BWSSB is also identifying the suitable places where the STPs will be installed.

The World Bank will provide a financial assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for the STPs project at the lakeside of the BWSSB. The officials of the civic body held that the World Bank is providing funds for flood mitigation of the metropolitan city. The BWSSB is expected to get about Rs 3,000 crores of which a third will be spent on the development of these nine STPs.

The remaining Rs 2,000 crore will be allocated for the development of storm water drain network in the city and rejuvenation of water bodies. The lakes of Bengaluru are dying due to unabated discharge of effluents and solid waste dumping. The most iconic lake of Bellandur is in news every now and then due to high pollution levels and decreasing water levels.

The STPs will be developed by BWSSB as part of the flood mitigation project. The focus will be on the water bodies of Bengaluru’s northern and eastern areas. The sewage which is presently being directly discharged into the large water bodies of the city, will be arrested just before entering the lakes, treated and could also be transported to other places including adjoining districts for re-use. This will also solve the problems of water scarcity in those areas as well.

The BWSSB cannot set up an STP at all the lakes of the city. Therefore, it will also build pumping stations that will help transport sewage to the nearest STPs.

Recently, BWSSB awarded a mega contract to Toshiba Waters for upgradation works of eight existing STPs in Bengaluru.