Use treated wastewater for construction activities: KSPCB

BENGALURU, Karnataka: To control the overexploitation of the groundwater sources, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has made it mandatory to use treated wastewater in all construction activities across the state.

Those who fail to comply with this directive will not get occupancy certificates from the civic body. Similarly, KSPCB will not issue the ‘no objective certificate’ essential for obtaining the occupancy certificate from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) or any other urban local body.

To give effect to this directive, Syed Khaja Mohiddin, Zonal Officer (East), KSPCB, held an interactive meeting with the Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) where he emphasised that at least 15 per cent of the treated wastewater from the sewage treatment plants should be used in construction activities.

There, representatives from the construction industry also expressed their reservations regarding the usage of treated wastewater in construction, questioning the quality of treated water and its effect on the cement. However, the scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) assured the builders and developers that using treated wastewater has no ill effects.  

A similar order was issued earlier to increase the use of treated wastewater. Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) issued an order allowing the sale of nearly 50 per cent of treated wastewater commercially, excluding the food and medicine sector.