Hey there, folks in Katraj! Exciting news coming your way starting June – a brand new sewage treatment plant (STP) is set to be up and running with a capacity of 2 million liters per day (MLD). This is a big step forward in tackling the issue of untreated sewage flowing into Katraj Lake, especially impacting the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been hard at work, laying down a sewer line that spans a whopping 1,100 meters in length and 900 millimeters in diameter. This move aims to further prevent sewage from finding its way into the lake. These efforts have been reported to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on May 22, 2024.
The issue caught the attention of the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) principal bench back in March, prompting them to direct the MPCB, PMC, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and the district collector to take action. The case was later shifted to the NGT’s western bench. Just recently, on May 28, the NGT issued an order based on the MPCB’s findings from a field visit conducted on May 16.
According to the order, the MPCB didn’t spot any water hyacinth growth in Katraj Lake during the visit. The PMC had also put up gabion walls for drains from Santoshnagar and Peshwe Lake to prevent sewage from reaching the lake. During the inspection, no drains were flowing into the lake, and the storm water lines nearby were dry. Water samples collected from the lake showed a slightly brownish color with no odor and a pH level of 6-7.
The upcoming 2 MLD STP will primarily cater to the needs of the lake in the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Research Centre. It’s expected to be up and running before June, pending the final consent application process. The NGT has instructed the PMC to finish up the remaining tasks, such as constructing the STP’s boundary wall, deepening and cleaning the lake’s overflowing drain, and putting in place two additional sewer lines. All of this work is to be completed within six months at an estimated cost of Rs 4.1 crore. The PMC will need to provide a progress report as soon as the work is finished.
Exciting times ahead for Katraj as efforts are being made to preserve the beauty of Katraj Lake and the surrounding areas. Stay tuned for more updates on this important development!
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