In a landmark decision aimed at combatting water pollution and rejuvenating Pune’s rivers, the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) has given its nod to the detailed project report (DPR) for the overhaul of six aging sewage treatment plants under the municipal corporation’s purview. This pivotal step sets the stage for securing funds amounting to Rs 425 crores for the wastewater treatment project, contingent upon final approval from the central government.
Addressing Rising Water Pollution
The Mula River, coursing through Pune, has witnessed a concerning surge in pollution levels due to the unregulated discharge of untreated domestic and industrial wastewater. To mitigate this environmental challenge, it is essential to reduce the levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the river while simultaneously increasing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and dissolved oxygen levels.
Prior to 2008, the Municipal Corporation had established a 10-million-litre wastewater purification plant within the city. Currently, nine such projects are operational. However, revised norms from the Central Pollution Control Board mandate a reduction in BOD concentration to 10 mg, down from the previous 30 mg. Unfortunately, six of the nine municipal projects failed to meet this criterion, as they did not employ the ‘SBR’ (Sequencing Batch Reactor) technology.
In response to these shortcomings, a decision has been made to modernize the technology used in these six sewage treatment plants located in Vitthalwadi, Erandwana, Bopodi, Bhairobanala, Tanajewadi, and Naidu. The ‘Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited’ (MAHAPREIT) has been entrusted with the role of consultant for this ambitious endeavor.
MAHAPREIT has devised a revised plan for these six projects, estimated at Rs. 425 crores. Funding for this ambitious undertaking will be drawn from the central government’s “Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation” (AMRUT) scheme.
The meticulously prepared DPR by MAHAPREIT has received the green signal from the MJP. Concurrently, the municipal corporation has forwarded the project plan for approval by the central government. With MJP’s endorsement secured, central government approval is expected shortly, expediting the release of funds. The tendering process is slated to commence within the next month.
Upon the successful completion of these six projects, Pune’s wastewater treatment capacity is anticipated to witness a substantial increase, with the ability to process an additional 99 million liters of sewage per day.
Srinivas Kandul, Chief Engineer of the Electrical Department, expressed optimism about the project’s impact, stating, “MJP has approved the plan to upgrade technology in six out of nine sewage treatment plants in the city. This plan will receive immediate approval from the central government. The tender process will be initiated immediately after obtaining this approval within the next month. This project will significantly improve the quality of water in the Mula Mutha River.”
