Bengaluru, known for its burgeoning population and rapid urbanisation, is set to witness a major leap in its water management system as the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) gears up to operationalise 26 new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) by the end of this year.
This ambitious expansion will increase the city’s capacity to treat wastewater by an additional 470 million litres per day (MLD), adding to the existing 1,348.5 MLD treated by 34 current STPs. With this addition, BWSSB is taking a significant step towards addressing the city’s growing water treatment needs, reducing pollution, and advancing sustainable urban practices. The new STPs are part of an ongoing effort to treat the entire 2,255 MLD of wastewater generated in Bengaluru, as part of the Board’s comprehensive strategy to tackle one of the city’s most pressing environmental challenges wastewater management. These plants will be pivotal in not only improving water quality but also in reducing the strain on Bengaluru’s lakes and groundwater resources, which have long been threatened by untreated sewage and waste disposal.
According to official sources, the development of these 26 new STPs is progressing smoothly, with construction and commissioning activities underway at various stages. Once fully operational, the new plants will significantly bolster the city’s wastewater treatment infrastructure, ensuring that more treated water can be safely used for multiple purposes such as irrigation, commercial cleaning, and construction, while also enabling water conservation efforts. In an exclusive statement, officials highlighted that the existing STPs in Bengaluru are already performing well, with 23 plants receiving a prestigious five-star rating from the central government for their operational excellence. The remaining plants are rated four-star and three-star, indicating their consistent performance in meeting quality standards. As part of the government’s recognition for effective water management, BWSSB has also been awarded Rs 103 crore in incentives to further enhance the efficiency of its operations. This incentive is expected to provide much-needed financial support for the expansion of Bengaluru’s wastewater treatment infrastructure.
The treated water from these plants plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable water management across the city. BWSSB has successfully tapped 80% of treated water for use in replenishing Bengaluru’s lakes, contributing significantly to groundwater recharge in areas surrounding water bodies. Approximately 800 MLD of treated water is released into lakes, benefitting the environment and promoting local biodiversity. This initiative has set a national benchmark, making Bengaluru a leader in using treated wastewater to restore its ecosystem. Moreover, the treated water is not only used for environmental purposes but also for the daily needs of various government institutions. Key sites, including Cubbon Park and Raj Bhavan, benefit from the sustainable use of treated water for landscaping and maintenance, further highlighting the potential of treated sewage as a reliable, eco-friendly resource.
BWSSB’s innovative approach has also addressed a significant challenge related to unauthorised underground drainage connections in parts of Bengaluru. In response, the Board has enforced penalties, collecting Rs 108 crore in fines. In total, it has regularised 471 illegal commercial connections and connections from apartment complexes, in addition to 40,000 unauthorised drinking water connections. This ongoing initiative is expected to enhance the city’s regulatory framework and prevent future violations. The successful operation of these new STPs will make Bengaluru’s water treatment infrastructure more resilient and self-sufficient, aligning with the city’s broader environmental goals of becoming a sustainable, zero-net carbon metropolis. By treating a larger volume of wastewater, BWSSB is reducing reliance on freshwater sources, promoting water reuse, and decreasing the environmental footprint of urbanisation.
This expansion project also underscores the importance of efficient urban governance and forward-thinking policies in addressing the water scarcity challenges faced by rapidly growing cities. As Bengaluru continues to expand its infrastructure, the integration of eco-friendly solutions such as wastewater treatment plants and groundwater recharge initiatives will be critical in fostering long-term sustainability. The operationalisation of these 26 STPs is also a reminder of the importance of citizen cooperation in maintaining the city’s water systems. The ongoing efforts to regularise unauthorised connections and ensure efficient management of water resources require active engagement from all sectors of society, including businesses, residential communities, and local authorities. As Bengaluru continues to grapple with water scarcity and pollution challenges, BWSSB’s efforts in scaling up sewage treatment and promoting water reuse offer a much-needed ray of hope. The city’s focus on eco-friendly, sustainable practices is setting a valuable example for other metropolitan areas in India and globally, illustrating how effective water management can mitigate the environmental and socio-economic impacts of urbanisation.
Bengaluru’s wastewater treatment system is on the cusp of a major transformation. With 26 new STPs set to be commissioned by the end of the year, BWSSB is not only improving the city’s water management capacity but also contributing to the creation of a greener, more sustainable urban landscape. The city’s evolving water treatment model serves as a critical step towards making Bengaluru a resilient, eco-friendly metropolis in an era of rapid urban growth.
BWSSB to Launch 26 New STPs to Boost Bengaluru Water Treatment
