Pune: Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran Clears Rs 425 Crore Wastewater Treatment Project
Pune, 10th October 2023: In a significant development aimed at tackling water pollution and ensuring cleaner rivers in the city, the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) has given its approval to the detailed project report (DPR) for the overhaul of six outdated sewage treatment plants operated by the municipal corporation. This crucial step paves the way for securing funds amounting to Rs 425 crores for the wastewater treatment project, subject to final approval from the central government.
The pollution levels in the Mula River, which courses through the city, have been on the rise due to the unchecked flow of untreated domestic and industrial effluents. To mitigate this environmental challenge, it is imperative to reduce the levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the river while simultaneously increasing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and dissolved oxygen levels.
Before the year 2008, the Municipal Corporation had established a 10-million-litre wastewater purification plant within the city. Currently, nine such projects are still operational. However, as per the revised norms of the Central Pollution Control Board, the BOD concentration in water should be lowered to 10 mg, down from the previous 30 mg. Regrettably, six out of the nine municipal projects failed to meet this criterion as they did not utilize the ‘SBR’ (Sequencing Batch Reactor) technology.
In response to these shortcomings, it has been decided to modernize the technology employed in these six sewage treatment projects located in Vitthalwadi, Erandwana, Bopodi, Bhairobanala, Tanajewadi, and Naidu. The ‘Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited’ (MAHAPREIT) has been appointed as the consultant for this endeavor.
MAHAPREIT has formulated a revised plan for these six projects, estimated at Rs. 425 crores. Funding for this ambitious project will be sourced from the central government’s “Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation” (AMRUT) scheme.
The DPR, meticulously prepared by MAHAPREIT, has received the green light from the MJP. Simultaneously, the municipal corporation has forwarded the project plan for approval by the central government. With MJP’s endorsement, central government approval is expected to follow promptly, facilitating the release of funds. The tendering process is slated to commence within the next month.
Upon the completion of these six projects, the city’s wastewater treatment capacity is expected to witness a substantial increase, capable of handling an additional 99 million litres per day of sewage.
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.”
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