In a major environmental compliance initiative, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has directed nearly 750 housing societies within its jurisdiction to install real-time monitoring sensors in their sewage treatment plants (STPs). The move aims to ensure proper treatment of wastewater generated by large residential complexes and to curb the discharge of untreated sewage into natural water bodies.
According to PMC officials, all residential complexes with more than 100 flats are legally required to treat sewage within their premises. The new directive strengthens enforcement by introducing technology-based oversight.
Why STP Sensors Are Now Mandatory
As per civic authorities, rapid urbanisation in Pune has significantly increased daily sewage generation, putting immense pressure on municipal infrastructure.
Currently, Pune generates approximately 980 MLD (million litres per day) of sewage. Out of this, around 630 MLD is treated by municipal plants.
The installation of sensors will help:
Monitor operational efficiency of society-level STPs
Prevent deliberate shutdowns to save operational costs
Track real-time performance data centrally at PMC headquarters
Reduce untreated wastewater discharge into rivers
A senior official stated that many housing societies keep their STPs non-operational to avoid maintenance expenses, adversely impacting the city’s overall sewage treatment levels.
Environmental Focus: Protecting the Mula-Mutha Rivers
The new sensor deployment follows PMC’s experience under the Mula-Mutha River Pollution Abatement Project, where similar monitoring systems are already in use at large municipal STPs.
PMC is also planning to upgrade six existing STPs located along the Mula River and Mutha River to improve treatment capacity and efficiency.
These upgrades will be funded under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme.
Additionally, PMC is developing 11 new STPs under the pollution abatement project to significantly enhance citywide sewage treatment infrastructure.
Treatment Capacity to Increase to 1,000 MLD
With the proposed upgrades and new installations, Pune’s sewage treatment capacity is expected to increase from 630 MLD to approximately 1,000 MLD.
This expansion is critical for:
Meeting rising sewage generation levels
Reducing river pollution
Ensuring sustainable urban development
Strengthening environmental compliance
Air Pollution Sensors Also Mandatory at Construction Sites
In a parallel move to strengthen environmental governance, PMC has also mandated installation of air pollution monitoring sensors at ongoing construction sites within municipal limits.
This step aims to:
Monitor dust pollution levels
Ensure compliance with environmental norms
Improve overall urban air quality
Responsibility of Housing Societies
PMC has clarified that housing societies generating sewage are fully responsible for its treatment and compliance.
Societies that fail to maintain operational STPs or ignore sensor installation directives will be required to take corrective action. Non-compliance may invite regulatory action under applicable municipal and environmental laws.
Legal and Civic Significance
The directive marks a shift from passive compliance to technology-driven environmental enforcement.
Key takeaways include:
Mandatory sewage treatment for societies with over 100 flats
Real-time STP performance monitoring
Centralised data tracking at PMC headquarters
Stronger accountability for residential complexes
Increased sewage treatment capacity through infrastructure upgrades
The initiative aligns with broader goals of sustainable urban planning and pollution control in fast-growing metropolitan regions like Pune.
