Pune: PMC Targets June Deadline for 11 STPs to Secure Additional Water Quota

Pune, 21st January 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to enhance its sewage treatment capacity by 396 million liters per day (MLD) with the addition of 11 new sewage treatment plants (STPs), expected to be operational by June. This step is part of the civic body’s strategy to secure an additional allotment of 24 TMC water for the city from the irrigation department.

Currently, PMC treats approximately 600 MLD of the total 980 MLD sewage generated within its jurisdiction. This includes 883 MLD from the older city areas and 97 MLD from the 34 recently merged areas. Once the new STPs are operational, the city’s sewage treatment capacity will rise to nearly 1,000 MLD, aligning with its overall sewage generation.

Highlighting the importance of efficient water resource management, State Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil recently expressed concerns over PMC’s water demands. “The civic body must justify its request for additional water supply by demonstrating its commitment to treating all sewage generated in the city,” he remarked.

He also criticized PMC for approving large-scale housing projects without ensuring sufficient resource availability.

The irrigation department has consistently emphasized the need for PMC to treat all its sewage before seeking increased water quotas. To fund the abatement of pollution in the Mula and Mutha rivers, PMC has partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). As part of this initiative, 11 STPs and other infrastructure facilities have been planned. Construction work on 10 of the plants is already underway.

The pollution in the Mula and Mutha rivers, recognized among India’s 35 most polluted water bodies in 2015, is primarily caused by the discharge of untreated domestic wastewater.

Jagdish Khanore, a senior official from PMC’s drainage department, shared updates on the progress of the project. “We are making significant strides in constructing the STPs. Most of the structural work is complete, and we are accelerating critical aspects like electrical installations,” he said.

PMC currently provides water to an estimated population of 70 lakh people and oversees approximately 12.5 lakh properties within its limits. With these new STPs, the civic body aims to not only meet the irrigation department’s demands but also significantly reduce river pollution and ensure sustainable water management for the growing city.