In a bid to comply with the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) 2019 mandate on Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD), the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has announced an interactive consultation meeting. The initiative aims to facilitate the sale and usage of excess treated sewage water from apartments and IT companies to construction sites.
The NGT’s order, referenced in KSPCB’s invitation, strictly enforces ZLD for decentralised Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). This mandate requires that all treated sewage be fully reused, prohibiting any discharge into roadside drains. Violations of this directive incur hefty fines of Rs 5,00,000 per instance. To address the challenges of fully utilising treated sewage, the KSPCB meeting will bring together stakeholders from the construction industry, residential complexes, and other sectors. The goal is to create a collaborative platform where those with surplus STP water can connect with those in need, particularly for construction and industrial uses.
Effective management of treated sewage is crucial, as the usage of fresh water is banned by both the Government of India and the Government of Karnataka, highlighting the importance of this initiative. The consultation meeting will take place at the Hotel Radisson, Outer Ring Road (ORR), on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
The upcoming meeting will focus on several key areas, including the safety of treated water. The Indian Institute of Science has confirmed that using treated sewage for construction is safe, ensuring that public health is not compromised. Regarding standards and compliance, the KSPCB will reiterate the standards that treated water must meet. Any failure to comply with these standards will result in fines of Rs 5,00,000 per violation, as per NGT directions.
KSPCB has also compiled a comprehensive database detailing where excess treated sewage is available and where it is needed. This resource aims to streamline the process of matching supply with demand. To ensure treated water remains within safety standards during transport, KSPCB proposes that logistics companies and tanker operators implement ultra-filtration systems with Ozonation. This measure will help maintain water quality at the usage point.
Additionally, the meeting will seek innovative ideas for World Environment Day celebrations, encouraging community involvement in sustainable water management practices.
A citizen said, “We have been struggling with finding effective ways to use our treated sewage water. This initiative by KSPCB is a great step forward. It will not only help us comply with regulations but also contribute to sustainable water management in the city.”
As part of the GHMC’s monsoon preparedness drive, the civic body conducted a survey and identified 478 dilapidated buildings that are considered uninhabitable and pose a danger to their occupants and those in the surrounding areas.
