In the hidden currents beneath Pune’s streets, water flows unseen, carrying both promise and neglect.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will closely monitor sewage treatment plants (STPs) in housing societies, after reports showed many are non-functional and fail to reuse treated water. Societies that do not comply will face penalties.
Boosting STPs – Pune Pushes for Efficient Sewage Treatment and Water Reuse
In order to address this issue, PMC is planning to empanel expert agencies to establish and operate small-capacity STPs for residential complexes. Chief Engineer Manisha Shekatkar told that these agencies will provide technical guidance, ensuring STPs function efficiently and promote water reuse within societies.
Not just that, but the PMC will also develop a policy governing the operation of small STPs. Common issues such as high power consumption or noise will be mitigated with consultant assistance. As per building regulations, residential projects with over 100 apartments must install STPs to treat sewage and reuse water, easing the load on civic STPs and conserving municipal water.
Over the past five years, 772 small-capacity STPs were mandated, treating 1,11,373 kilolitres of sewage. Despite this, many societies discharge untreated sewage into natural streams, storm water drains, or PMC systems, straining existing infrastructure. The goal of on-site STPs is to promote water conservation, reduce costs, and save energy associated with drawing municipal water.
Reviving STPs – Pune Turns Sewage into Sustainability
Private agencies will be empanelled to maintain STPs under five-year contracts, advising on technologies and ensuring adherence to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and PMC standards. PMC will monitor consultant performance, tracking design quality, efficiency, and treated water standards.
The situation at hand is that the Housing society representatives often lack technical expertise to operate STPs, on the other hand the builders sometimes install them only to obtain completion certificates. Experts urge PMC to provide hands-on support, ensuring STPs remain functional and societies are educated on their use.
Currently, PMC struggles to fully treat city sewage while expanding capacity amid land shortages and rising demand. Measures are underway to conserve reservoir water and study groundwater for potential emergency use.
By channelling every drop wisely, Pune aims to transform neglected flows into streams of sustainability, safeguarding water for generations.
Summary
Pune Municipal Corporation will monitor and penalize housing societies for non-functional STPs, empanel expert agencies to ensure operation, and promote water reuse. Despite mandatory installation in residential complexes, many STPs remain unused. PMC aims to conserve municipal water, improve treated water quality, and educate societies, ensuring sewage is efficiently managed while meeting the city’s growing water and sustainability needs.
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