STP at Peenya to check Vrishabhavathi pollution

In the wake of increasing pollution in the Vrishabhavathi Valley, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has decided to install a sewage treatment plant (STP) in Peenya Industrial Area.

KSPCB chairman Lakshman told DH that the board had found that most of the untreated waste entering the Vrishabhavathi Valley was from the Peenya Industrial Area, especially unorganised sector. 

He said the board has adequate land to set up the STP. Expression of Interest has been called to know the financial estimates to set up 200 kilo litres per day (KLD) capacity STP. Based on the inflow of waste and availability of finances, the capacity will be enhanced, he said.

There are four STPs in the valley - at Nalasandra of 20 MLD, at Kempambudhi of one MLD, at Nagasandra of 75 MLD and Vrishabhavathi Valley Treatment Plant of 180 MLD. According to BWSSB, at any given time, the STPs are working at 80% of installed capacity.

KSPCB will hold a meeting with the Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (Kassia) to explain the situation and seek financial aid from them. Many studies have been conducted by independent researchers, by Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (Atree) and by professors from the environment wing of Bangalore University to study the pollution levels of Vrishabhavathi Valley.

Vrishabhavathi is a tributary of Arkavathi river, which joins Cauvery. The river drains a major part of west Bengaluru's waste water -- domestic and industrial -- covering 97 sqkm.

It carries around 2,300 cubic metres of urban and domestic discharge per hour. It also carries seasonal discharge to Byramanagala reservoir. The valley has become a dump yard for many. At any given time, a strong foul smell emits from the valley and there have also been instances of carcasses floating in it.