Home / Environment / Pune's Rivers Choke: Sewage Overloads Critical STPs
Pune's Rivers Choke: Sewage Overloads Critical STPs
4 Feb
Summary
- Bombay High Court mandated occupancy certificates for buildings with STPs.
- Groundwater quality in Pune is poor, with some sources unsuitable for drinking.
- Residents spend significantly on water tankers due to contaminated sources.
Deteriorating river health in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad is largely attributed to inadequate sewage treatment. In January 2026, the Bombay High Court mandated that occupancy certificates (OCs) would only be issued for high-rises connected to civic sewage lines or equipped with on-site STPs.
This directive is crucial as rapid development in Pune spawns new housing societies daily. Incidents like bloodworms found in drinking water in Hinjewadi highlight the severity of untreated sewage contaminating natural water sources. Groundwater quality reports from 2023-24 reveal alarming pollution levels, with some sources deemed unsuitable for drinking.
Many societies, like Casa Imperia Phase 1, rely on expensive water tankers annually due to wells becoming contaminated by nearby sewage. Despite functional STPs and efforts to reuse treated water, the overall infrastructure struggles to cope.
Experts emphasize a lack of awareness regarding STP maintenance and the need for stricter enforcement from authorities. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and municipal corporations are facing pressure to ensure compliance and improve the sewage network. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has also been involved following past public health crises linked to contaminated water.
Authorities are exploring real-time monitoring software for STPs and expanding the sewage network. While some societies benefit from concessional electricity tariffs for STPs, many face challenges with high running costs and non-compliance, leading to notices and potential water disconnection.
A Bombay High Court order in January 2026 mandates that occupancy certificates are not issued for high-rises without functional STPs, aiming to curb the severe river pollution in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The article underscores the urgent need for improved sewage infrastructure and citizen awareness to prevent further public health emergencies.
