Joint Team Formed to Inspect and Monitor Dysfunctional STPs in Bengaluru

In a decisive move to counter the rising issue of malfunctioning Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has proposed the formation of a dedicated joint inspection team.

Speaking to reporters, KSPCB Chairman P.M. Narendra Swamy revealed a stark reality: approximately 90% of the STPs across the state, particularly within Bengaluru, are currently not operating properly. Despite ongoing inspections and the imposition of heavy fines on non-compliant apartment complexes and high-rise buildings, widespread violations continue to persist.

To address this critical issue, we are proposing a joint team that will regularly inspect and monitor STPs in Bengaluru," Mr. Swamy stated. The joint enforcement squad will comprise officials from the KSPCB, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The team will conduct periodic monitoring drives once every three months to guarantee that STPs in high-rise buildings and residential societies remain fully functional.

Staff Shortages and Golden Jubilee Celebrations

The Chairman acknowledged that severe staff constraints, particularly a shortage of technical personnel within the board, have severely hampered effective STP monitoring. However, he assured that recruitment processes would be expedited soon to fill these critical vacancies.

The announcement comes as the KSPCB marks its golden jubilee, celebrating 50 years of environmental oversight across Karnataka. A grand closing ceremony is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru on November 18 and 19. As part of the milestone celebrations, a symposium centered on the theme "Circular Economy and Sustainability" will be organized.

Additionally, five individuals who have made outstanding contributions to environmental protection and pollution control will be honored with the prestigious Indira Priyadarshini Award.

Engaging Youth Through Cash Prizes

Recognizing that community and youth involvement are pivotal to long-term pollution control, the KSPCB has launched a unique digital awareness campaign. The board is organizing a social media "reels" competition for young creators to promote environmental awareness.

To incentivize participation, substantial cash rewards have been announced: a grand prize of ₹50,000 for the best reel on environmental protection, followed by ₹25,000 for the second prize, and ₹10,000 for the third prize.