Affidavit filed on behalf of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) in the matter of Court on its own motion Vs State of Karnataka. The report mentioned the measures taken by the BWSSB with respect to execution of projects for setting up sewage treatment plants (STPs) and laying of sewerage network and upgradation of STPs with biological nutrient removal by September 30, 2020.

The compliance also included measures to ensure that treated water was not discharged into the UGB network and no untreated sewage enters lakes - Bellandur, Agara and Varthur. BWSSB said that due to the nationwide lockdown, there was no progress of work from March 24 - April 14, 2020. Also, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India had classified Bengaluru urban under red zone. Under the circumstances, the restrictions were continued till May 3, 2020. Though movement of non essential goods vehicles were permitted still mainly the necessary cement and steel for the constructional activities could not be arranged because of the shutdown of the manufacturing units.

The BWSSB informed the tribunal that 150 MLD capacity new sewage treatment plant based on activated sludge process would be completed by July 30, 2020. Construction of 210 MLD ISPS at Koramangala Sports Complex was ready but the sewerage would be pumped after completion of the 150 MLD STP. The 5.0 MLD STP at Chikkabeguru and 10 MLD STP at Hulimavu was completed and commissioned, the report added.

Note: The report of May 12, 2020 was uploaded to the NGT site on July 31, 2020