BWSSB’s ₹2,400 Crore Plan to Address Wastewater Surge in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, the bustling metropolis of Karnataka, is grappling with a significant surge in wastewater generation, and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has stepped up efforts to manage this growing challenge. In an ambitious move to address the city’s mounting wastewater treatment capacity shortfall, BWSSB has proposed the construction of 17 new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) across various locations. These new facilities, with a combined treatment capacity of 583 million litres per day (MLD), will be instrumental in managing Bengaluru’s wastewater crisis. The total cost of the project is estimated to be between ₹2,200 crore and ₹2,400 crore.
The city, which relies heavily on the Cauvery River for its water supply, is already managing over 11,894 kilometres of underground drainage infrastructure. BWSSB currently supplies around 2,225 MLD of water to the city, but a staggering 85-90% of this is discharged as wastewater. While Bengaluru is home to 33 operational STPs with a combined capacity of 1,381 MLD, this infrastructure is falling short of processing the additional 907 MLD of wastewater generated due to the expanding population and increasing water supply from the Cauvery Stage V project. As the city’s water usage increases, the urgency to expand wastewater treatment capacity has never been clearer.
BWSSB’s plan to build these 17 new STPs comes as the city experiences a significant increase in wastewater generation. Before the implementation of the Cauvery Stage V project, Bengaluru received 1,450 MLD of water daily, generating around 1,440 MLD of wastewater. However, the addition of 775 MLD from Stage V has led to an increase in total wastewater generation to 2,200 MLD. This surge has further highlighted the city’s need to expand its wastewater treatment infrastructure. BWSSB’s strategic focus on reusing treated wastewater is already in place, with 750 MLD of treated water being repurposed for various applications, including irrigation in prominent areas like Lalbagh and Cubbon Park, as well as for industrial use.
The proposed STPs will be located in key areas such as Madiwala (75 MLD), Kadubeesanahalli (50 MLD), and Bellandur (60 MLD), among others. These plants will cater to both urban and suburban needs, alleviating the pressure on the existing systems and ensuring a more efficient approach to water management. The addition of these facilities will also support the ongoing Koramangala-Challaghatta Valley project, which aims to rejuvenate 145 lakes across Bengaluru by releasing 400 MLD of treated water daily. However, the project is still short of its target, and the extra treated water from the new STPs will contribute significantly to this initiative, helping restore Bengaluru’s dying lakes.
From a sustainability perspective, these new STPs represent a crucial step towards addressing the city’s growing water and wastewater management needs. The focus on treating and reusing wastewater aligns with global sustainability goals, especially in a rapidly urbanising India where water scarcity and environmental degradation are emerging as major concerns. By increasing its wastewater treatment capacity, Bengaluru is not only preventing contamination but also promoting the reuse of water in industrial, agricultural, and urban sectors. This initiative is an essential part of the city’s long-term vision to ensure sustainable water usage and protect its natural resources for future generations. Moreover, this move is expected to have a positive impact on public health, reducing the risks associated with untreated wastewater while also contributing to environmental preservation.
In conclusion, BWSSB’s ₹2,400 crore project is a comprehensive response to Bengaluru’s wastewater challenges. The construction of these new STPs will bolster the city’s water infrastructure and help it meet the rising demand for both water supply and wastewater treatment. As urbanisation continues, it is imperative that cities like Bengaluru prioritise sustainable water management practices, integrating both wastewater treatment and water reuse into their long-term urban planning strategies. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other Indian cities grappling with similar issues, offering a blueprint for sustainable water management and environmental conservation.
