Why is the Thiruvananthapuram sewage treatment plant project stalled?

The project is stalled because the Kerala State Pollution Control Board requires a stricter biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) level for treated water than initially planned.

What is the BOD standard required for the Rajaji Nagar STPs?

The KSPCB requires treated effluent to meet a BOD standard below 10mg/litre, which is more stringent than the corporation's original design.

How will stricter BOD levels impact the Rajaji Nagar project cost?

Achieving lower BOD levels necessitates advanced treatment systems, which will likely increase both the capital and operational costs of the project.

Home / Environment / Pollution Board Mandate Halts Kerala Sewage Plant Plan

Pollution Board Mandate Halts Kerala Sewage Plant Plan

12 Jan

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Summary

Pollution control board demands stricter BOD levels than planned.
Project aims to prevent untreated sewage flowing into Amayizhanjan canal.
Stricter standards may significantly increase project costs.

Pollution Board Mandate Halts Kerala Sewage Plant Plan

Thiruvananthapuram's ambitious plan to install five decentralized sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Rajaji Nagar colony has encountered a major setback. The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has objected to granting environmental consent unless the treated effluent meets a strict biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) standard of below 10mg/litre.

This mandate has halted the project, which was designed to stop untreated sewage from contaminating the Amayizhanjan canal. Corporation officials are now reassessing design and cost estimates, as achieving BOD levels below 10mg/litre typically requires advanced and more expensive treatment systems than initially planned. The project was intended to serve approximately 900 families.

The delay exacerbates the ongoing environmental issues plaguing the Amayizhanjan canal, which has struggled with severe pollution from solid waste and wastewater discharge. Environmental activists and local residents have long criticized the slow progress of sanitation infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.