KSPCB yet to wake up to frame guidelines for STP

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board is yet to hold a meeting with stakeholders to frame guidelines for handling private sewage treatment plants (STPs).

In January, three people had died due to suffocation while cleaning a blocked STP at an apartment at Somasundarapalya in HSR Layout.

Lakshman, chairman of the board, had then said he would call the meeting of all the stakeholders to frame guidelines to handle the private sewage treatment plants (STPs).

However, he is yet to convene the meeting, even as another STP operator was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Whitefield on Saturday.

The board is not even aware of the number of the private STPs that are operating in the city.

The board officials said they only issue consent for establishment (CFE) prior to establishment of an industrial operation or any treatment and disposal system, which is likely to discharge sewage or trade effluent into any stream or well or sewer or on land. But they do not have any details about the exact numbers of the private STPs.

Mahesh, environment officer at the Board said the random inspection of STPs does happen and if they find any loopholes in maintenance and if the treated water is not meeting the prescribed standards, then the board issues notice to the STP owners.