Relief For Bengaluru Apartments: Karnataka Amends STP Installation Rules

The Karnataka government has eased the burden on apartment communities in areas with Underground Drainage (UGD) lines, particularly in the core city, by amending rules for in-situ Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).

Now, only apartment complexes with over 120 units and producing more than 80 Kilo Litres per Day (KLD) of sewage are required to install an in-situ STP, a significant increase from the previous threshold of 50 units. This move comes after lobbying efforts by the Bangalore Apartments' Federation (BAF), which argued that smaller STPs are costly and ineffective.

However, in areas without UGD lines, in-situ STPs remain mandatory for all projects with over 20 units. The amendment, issued by the Department of Forest, Ecology, and Environment on March 12, will be prospective, allowing existing projects with smaller STPs to continue operations. The notification also provides some relief to commercial projects in areas with sewerage lines.

Satish Mallya, Vice-President of BAF, expressed relief, stating that smaller STPs are not viable and are a burden on communities. This amendment marks a significant change from the 2016 government order that mandated an in-situ STP for all group housing projects above 20 units in Bengaluru, a decision that sparked protests and led to the formation of BAF.

BAF's advocacy efforts have led to policy changes, including the recent amendment to the 2016 notification. Now, in sewered areas, an STP is mandatory for projects with over 50 units or those producing 35 KLD of sewage. The new threshold of 120 units for in-situ STPs is seen as more manageable for apartment complexes.