Bengaluru residents can now start researching on how to go about setting up Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at their homes.
The BWSSB has issued an ultimatum of three months, and it expects all 20 unit apartments (2,000sqm) and 100sqm homes to install sewage or gray-water treatment plants.
Sandeep Moudgal reports for The Times of India that according to the circular issued on September 21, the building owners will be liable to pay a fine if they fall to set up the STPs or a gray water treatment plant within the given time.
Penalty that amounts to 25% of the water and sanitary charges will be slapped on the defaulters, which will increase to 50% after six months.
In the case of multistorey commercial structures of 2,000sqm dimension and individual buildings measuring 100sqm, the penalty rates adds up to 50% of the bill amount for failing to comply with directive three months after date of issuing notice and 100% after six months.
However, according to the report, the BWSSB does not have a clear guideline as to how the plants should be set up in houses and commercial spaces that makes it difficult for the plants to be set up.
BWSSB Chairman Tushar Nath told TOI that the directive was issued by the environment department and that it applies to existing buildings as well.
Saying that advanced technologies that allow STPs to be set up in cramped spaces need to be identified, he told TOI,
“Based on the suggestion of City development minister KJ George, we will soon organize workshops for resident welfare associations (RWAs) across the city to create awareness about such technologies. We will also be sharing details of manufacturers and installation companies with the residents.”