It was the BWSSB that has imposed mandatory STP norms in Bengaluru. Norms which vested unrest and chaos in the minds of the people. But now the worry needs to end. We can enter the relaxation mode. Yippee! There’s a relaxation in the STP Norms.
It was recently when the water board met and a fresh
notification was formulated and issued wherein there was a change that STPs
will be mandatory for buildings on sites measuring 2,000sqm (21,527 sqft) and
above and not 100sqm as proposed earlier. This rule that was formulated is to
be applied on existing as well as buildings constructed in future.
It was in the month of February that BWSSB made a
notification stating making of STPs mandatory for apartments with 20 plus
houses and non-domestic buildings where sites measure 100sqm and above. But it
was well noticed that this rule was impractical as there wouldn’t be sufficient
space to set up STPs. And taking this agitation in consideration, during the
recent board meeting, the norm was decided to be relaxed to 2000sqm. The
gazette notification in this regard will be out soon. But the 20 and above
house norm for apartments will continue as it is.
The idea behind the
STPs to be induced was increasing pollution found in Bellandur and Varthur
lakes and also the need seen to control this pollution of burnt sewage. These
rules were implemented o control over pollution. As per rules, all buildings on
sites with the above mentioned dimensions should use treated water for flushing
toilets, gardening, washing vehicles, etc. Norms also mandate dual piping
system for such buildings to minimize wastage of water.
For non-adherence of rules there is a prescribed penalty
imposed by the board. For residential buildings violating the STP or dual
piping rule, the property owner is liable to pay additional levy of 25% of
water and sanitary charges for the first three months and thereafter an
additional levy of 50% of water and sanitary charges till the facility is
provided. In case of non-domestic buildings, the property owner is liable to
pay additional levy of 50% of water and sanitary charges till the facility is
made available.The fresh norms are already part of the BWSSB's sewage
regulations and has been inserted as a fresh section (4A) under the water board
rules
Thus get set to the pollution free
world. STPs will now make it happen.
