BWSSB proposes 5 new STPs to boost wastewater treatment
Proposed plants will use advanced technologies to reduce space and power requirements compared to traditional STPs, and allow sludge to be repurposed as compost, say officials
In a major move to enhance Bengaluru’s wastewater treatment capacity, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has submitted a proposal to the state government seeking approval to construct five new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at an estimated cost of Rs 2,000 crore. These new plants will add a cumulative treatment capacity of 385 million litres per day (MLD) to the city’s existing infrastructure.
34 STPs currently operational
BWSSB currently manages over 11,894 km of underground drainage network, covering 110 villages and treating approximately 2,130 MLD of sewage daily. However, only 34 STPs with a combined capacity of 1,345 MLD are operational. To address treatment gap, the board is actively working on expanding its infrastructure.
Additional plants underway
A BWSSB official said that at present, construction is underway on 20 STPs with a combined capacity of 470 MLD, at a cost of Rs 1,382 crore. “Additionally, tenders have been floated for nine more STPs with a total capacity of 140 MLD under World Bank assistance. The five newly proposed plant will raise the total treatment capacity to 2,343 MLD once operational,” said the official.
Advanced technologies to be used
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials said that two of the proposed plants will use an advanced single-reactor system that processes sewage in multiple
stages within the same tank, reducing space and power requirements compared to traditional STPs. The remaining three plants will use the Activated Sludge Process (ASP), a biological treatment method that uses bacteria and protozoa to remove organic pollutants effectively. The resulting sludge can be repurposed as compost.
stages within the same tank, reducing space and power requirements compared to traditional STPs. The remaining three plants will use the Activated Sludge Process (ASP), a biological treatment method that uses bacteria and protozoa to remove organic pollutants effectively. The resulting sludge can be repurposed as compost.
Low reuse of treated water
Out of the 1,348 MLD currently being treated, only about 750 MLD is being reused. Treated water is currently supplied to institutions such as the Indian Air Force, ITC, BEL, Bengaluru International Airport, and public parks like Lalbagh and Cubbon Park. Under the Koramangala-Challaghatta (KC) Valley project, BWSSB aims to supply 400 MLD of treated water to 145 lakes across Kolar, Chikkaballapura, and rural Bengaluru. However, only 265 MLD is being supplied currently, with the remaining 135 MLD pending.
Government recognition and financial support
Sources said that the central government has granted BWSSB Rs 103 crore under the ‘Jal Hi Amrit’ programme as part of the Clean Water Credit initiative. This grant is meant for upgrading and modernising the 34 existing STPs. Some of these plant have already earned 5-star ratings from the Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs
Awaiting government nod
BWSSB Chairman Dr Ram Prasath Manohar stated that a proposal to set up five new STPs with a total capacity of 385 MLD has been submitted. “We hope to receive government approval soon as ts this expansion is crucial for meeting Bengaluru’s growing wastewater management demands,” he said.
Locations and capacities of proposed STPs
- Bellandur – 100 MLD
- Mailasandra – 100 MLD
- Doddabele – 60 MLD
- Madivala – 75 MLD
- One additional unit – 50 MLD
- These plants are expected to be commissioned by the end of 2026 GALLERIES
