BENGALURU: The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has issued a stringent directive to curb the rampant exploitation of groundwater in Bengaluru.
Developers and house owners must now utilise treated water for construction activities, failing which they will be denied occupancy certificates (OCs) from the civic authorities. In an interactive session held with resident welfare associations (RWAs) and construction industry leaders, the KSPCB emphasised the necessity of using treated water to safeguard the city’s regular water sources and mitigate the depletion of the groundwater table. The board made it clear that it would withhold the crucial ‘no-objection certificate’ (NOC), a prerequisite for obtaining an OC from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) or other urban local bodies, if treated water is not employed in construction projects.
Syed Khaja Mohiddin, zonal officer (east), KSPCB, said: “If at least 15% of treated water from STPs (sewage treatment plants) is not used during construction, then OC will not be given to the builder or the owner of the building.” Despite concerns raised by construction industry representatives regarding the quality of treated water and its potential impact on the structural integrity of cement buildings, scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) provided reassurance. LN Rao, an associate professor at the Centre for Sustainable Technologies, IISc, cited a comprehensive study confirming the safety and suitability of sewage treatment plant (STP)-treated water for construction purposes.
“There are three types of water: activated sludge process, tap water, and membrane bioreactor, which define the quality of the water. The water was monitored for 7, 14, and 28 days, and no adverse changes were observed, giving us enough confidence in its quality,” stated Rao. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable construction practices in Bengaluru. By mandating the use of treated water, the KSPCB aims to reduce the strain on the city’s water resources, ensuring their longevity and availability for future generations. The directive reflects the KSPCB’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management, setting a precedent for other regions grappling with similar issues. Builders and homeowners in Bengaluru must now align with these regulations to obtain necessary certifications and contribute to the city’s sustainable development goals.
