The park entrance in the photograph supplied with BWSSB’s Tavarekere STP proposal. Photograph supplied.
Bengaluru: BWSSB has proposed a decentralised sewage treatment plant with a capacity of one million litres a day near Tavarekere Park, responding to repeated complaints from residents and walkers about sewage, foul odour and flies in an adjoining stormwater drain.
The proposed plant would intercept sewage flowing through the drain and treat it for reuse in the park and nearby areas. The water board said the tender process is currently under scrutiny and evaluation; the project has not yet reached the construction or commissioning stage.
Treated water proposed for park maintenance
According to the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, a significant volume of sewage flows through the stormwater drain near the park, creating unhygienic conditions. Residents, walkers and other park users have repeatedly sought a lasting solution.
Under the proposal, the intercepted wastewater would be treated at the 1 MLD plant to standards prescribed by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. BWSSB said the intervention is intended to reduce wastewater in the drain and improve sanitation and environmental conditions around the park.
Drinking water is currently being used to maintain plants and green spaces in the park, the board said. It proposes replacing that supply with treated water for gardening and upkeep of the greenery, conserving potable water.
Surplus water for nearby non-drinking uses
Additional treated water is proposed to be used for construction, horticulture, road washing and cleaning of premises in surrounding areas. These are non-potable uses; the proposal does not envisage supplying the treated water for drinking.
BWSSB listed control of foul odour, flies and unhygienic conditions, interception and treatment of sewage, and reduced wastewater discharge into drains and water bodies among the intended benefits. It also said the project could help rejuvenate the park and its surroundings.
If implemented, the board said, the project could develop Tavarekere Park into a model combining decentralised wastewater treatment, water conservation, environmental restoration and reuse of treated water. These are anticipated outcomes of the proposed project.
Tender under evaluation
BWSSB said scrutiny and evaluation of the tender are in progress and that the process would be completed transparently and expeditiously in accordance with applicable rules and tender conditions.
The statement did not specify a project cost, the date of a contract award or a completion deadline.
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