Bangalore water body relaxes STP norms, eyes buildings on larger sites

BENGALURU: Worried about BWSSB’s mandatory sewage treatment plant (STP) norms? Well, you can relax.

The water board has issued a fresh notification according to which STPs will be mandatory for buildings on sites measuring 2,000sqm (21,527 sqft) and above and not 100sqm as proposed earlier. The rule applies to existing buildings and those to be constructed in future.

In February, the BWSSB issued a notification making STPs mandatory for flats or apartments with 20 or more houses and non-domestic buildings on sites measuring 100sqm. “However, many residents and industrialists thought the 100sqm rule was impractical as many properties of that size wouldn’t have space for STPs. During the recent board meeting, it was decided to relax the norms to 2,000sqm. Once the government approves it, a gazette notification will be issued in this regard. The 20 and above houses norm for residential buildings remains,” said a senior BWSSB official.

The water board came up with the STP norms following raps from pollution control board and courts over pollution of Bellandur and Varthur lakes, both of which are bearing the brunt of sewage inflow. As per rules, all buildings on sites with the above mentioned dimensions should use treated water for flushing toilets, gardening, washing vehicles, etc. Norms also mandate dual piping system for such buildings to minimize wastage of water.

VIOLATORS TO BE PENALIZED

The water board has also fixed penalty for those who fail to adhere to the norms. For residential buildings violating the STP or dual piping rule, the property owner is liable to pay additional levy of 25% of water and sanitary charges for the first three months and thereafter an additional levy of 50% of water and sanitary charges till the facility is provided. In case of non-domestic buildings, the property owner is liable to pay additional levy of 50% of water and sanitary charges till the facility is made available.

The fresh norms are already part of the BWSSB’s sewage regulations and has been inserted as a fresh section (4A) under the water board rules.

Courtsey: Rohith B R | TNN |17-July-2016

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