BWSSB proposes five new STPs to boost Bengaluru’s wastewater treatment capacity

In a significant effort to improve Bengaluru’s wastewater management, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has submitted a proposal to the Karnataka government to establish five new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). Estimated at Rs 2,000 crore, these plants will collectively enhance the city’s treatment capacity by 385 million litres per day (MLD).

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Currently, BWSSB operates 34 STPs with a combined capacity of 1,345 MLD, while managing a vast 11,894-km underground drainage network. Despite this, Bengaluru generates around 2,130 MLD of sewage daily, revealing a substantial treatment shortfall.

Once all proposed and ongoing facilities are completed, the city’s total treatment capacity is projected to reach 2,343 MLD.

The new proposal includes advanced technologies: two plants will feature a compact, energy-efficient single-reactor system, while three will adopt the Activated Sludge Process for biological treatment. Planned locations and capacities include Bellandur (100 MLD), Mailasandra (100 MLD), Madivala (75 MLD), Doddabele (60 MLD), and one additional 50 MLD unit, with commissioning targeted by 2026.

Despite treating 1,348 MLD, only 750 MLD of treated water is reused. BWSSB aims to improve reuse levels through initiatives like the KC Valley project, which currently delivers 265 MLD to lakes in surrounding districts.

The central government has granted Rs 103 crore under the ‘Jal Hi Amrit’ programme to upgrade existing plants. Approval of the new proposal is now awaited.