No STP puts residents of Khadki in trouble

No STP puts residents of Khadki in trouble

PUNE: The proposed plan by Khadki Cantonment Board (KCB) to install a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in 2017 for the residents of bungalow areas under its jurisdiction has not yet been started. According to the Assistant Engineer of KCB, there are not enough funds with the board to start the project and for its maintenance.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) sent directives after noticing KCB noncompliance of norms over STP. 

Over the MPCB order, the KCB was supposed to build an STP for its bungalow areas in 2017. 

The civilians of the bungalow areas are currently using septic tanks for disposal while those, who cannot afford them, have got their sewage pipes connected to nallas, which then meets the drainage system. 

KCB currently maintains two STPs with underground drainage system - one treats eight million litres of water per day (MLD) whereas the other can treat 12 MLD.

Also, under the Swachh Bharat Mission, it is mandatory for government bodies to have STPs in city areas. 

Meenakshi Ingawale, resident of Khadki Bungalow area, said, “We built our own septic tank eight years ago.”

KCB provides us poor facilities in comparison to other civic bodies, Ingawale mentioned. She further said, “The septic tank is installed right behind our houses constructed under ground. We have to inform the Board to collect the sewage from the tank. And the work is done for free. We do not expect anything from the Board, as they have fluctuating laws.”

Jameer Khan, another resident of the same area, said, “We have demanded the Board for installation of STP. 

“As we cannot afford a septic tank, we have connected our sewage pipelines to a nearby nalla, which meets the drainage system. It would have been a relief to us if the Board would have built the STP for us.”

Suhas Sant, Assistant Engineer of KCB, commented on this issue, saying, “The Board does not have enough funds to support this project along with the maintenance of it. If we receive funds from the Central government, then it can be looked upon. That is the reason we have not yet started building the STP for bungalow areas.”

Sant further said, “We collect the sewage waste from the septic tanks by suction van each month and dispose it in one of the STPs of Khadki. 

“We do not overlook the sewage waste of Bungalow area, but it does not have the treatment plant, which will be installed soon.”

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