Pune Proposes Rs 840 Crore STP Overhaul

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has advanced a comprehensive Rs 840 crore proposal to the state government, aimed at modernising six ageing sewage treatment plants (STPs) within the city limits.

This ambitious project intends to enhance operational efficiency and upgrade the existing infrastructure, integrating cutting-edge purification technologies to significantly improve water quality. These facilities, with a cumulative capacity of 477 million litres per day, have been operational for over 15 years, necessitating substantial refurbishments. In an effort to ensure the project’s technical excellence, PMC has enlisted Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited (MAHAPREIT) as expert consultants. A key feature of this modernisation plan is the incorporation of disc filter units for tertiary treatment, aligning with the stringent water quality standards set forth by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The financial structure for this initiative is strategically planned, with 60% of the funding sourced from central and state government allocations, while the remaining 40% will be contributed by PMC funds. The disbursement of these funds will be phased according to the project’s timeline, ensuring a steady progression of the upgrades.

“We had sent a proposal of Rs 417 crore to the state government for the renovation of the sewage treatment plants,” Srinivas Kandul, head of PMC’s electrical department, underscored the importance of this initiative, noting that the revised proposal now awaits state government approval. Kandul also highlighted that if the proposal is not sanctioned, the corporation will have to resort to utilising the available funds to initiate necessary improvements. This proposal marks a significant milestone in Pune’s commitment to enhancing its sewage treatment infrastructure, reflecting the city’s broader ambitions for environmental sustainability and public health enhancement.