Nithyananda ashram told to instal sewage treatment plant

Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) members inspected the Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam Ashram at Nithyananda Nagar, Bidadi, on the city’s outskirts and found that the ashram did not have a single sewage treatment plant on its premises.

KSPCB officials who inspected the ashram on Friday told DH that the management was letting in the sewage into an artificial pond inside the ashram.

“There are 20 guest rooms at present and the management is planning to construct more. Though sewage is not overflowing at present, during festivals, when there are large crowds, there are chances of sewage overflowing. The artificial pond is connected to a natural valley further ahead. There is danger of the natural valley getting polluted if sewage overflows,” said a KSPCB official.

Sources said that around 30 KLD of sewage is let into the dug up pond every day. The official said that the management has assured them that they will build an STP soon.

KSPCB chairman Lakshman said the officials have warned the management and asked them to set up the STP at the earliest. “We will soon send a notice to the ashram management for failing to set up an STP. No fine has been slapped on them,” he added.