In a first-of-its-kind project, BWSSB proposes to supply 4 MLD treated water to Peenya Industrial Area in a separate pipeline

BWSSB proposes innovative project to supply treated sewage water to Peenya Industrial Area, addressing water scarcity sustainably.

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has proposed a first-of-its-kind project to provide treated sewage water to Peenya Industrial Area, the largest industrial hub of Asia, for its non-potable needs. The project, estimated to cost ₹27.5 crore, was cleared by the Board and submitted to the State government, sources said. 

Under the proposed project, BWSSB will supply 4 Million Litres per Day (MLD) of treated water from its 40 MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Nagasandra, near Doddabidarakallu Lake. This STP is 4 km away from a BWSSB property in Peenya Industrial area.

“We have proposed to draw a line to the BWSSB premises from the STP, build a new water tank dedicated to treated water alone and supply this water from there to over 13,000 industrial units in the area. We will lay a supply line of over 25 km within the industrial area,” said a senior BWSSB engineer, adding that the industry units have to get a dual piping system to effectively utilise treated water. 

During a drought-hit summer earlier this year, BWSSB had championed the use of treated water for non-potable purposes, especially in the construction sector and in industries. “As part of these initiatives, the Board brainstormed with the Peenya Industries Association, which has been hard-pressed for water for years now and came up with the idea of providing treated water from Nagasandra STP. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared and now submitted to the State government,” said V. Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairman, BWSSB. 

Though the Peenya Industries Association has welcomed the project, concerns remain. “Water guzzling industries are fewer in Peenya. Water needs at other industry units are mainly for toilets and drinking. Most of the industry units have one sump, to which Cauvery water supply is now connected to. We do not have room to build another sump and we are confused as to where we should collect the treated water,” said D. P. Danappa, Vice President, Peenya Industries Association. 

Presently, on an average, BWSSB supplies 2.5 MLD water from Cauvery river to Peenya Industrial Area, even as the demand is estimated to be around 4 MLD. Many industries are also taking tanker water to fill the supply-demand gap. “The demand for water for one industrial unit may look small, but the consumption in the entire industrial area put together is significant. Why should we waste nearly 4 MLD of river water down the drain?” asked a senior BWSSB official. 

“Industries need to use Cauvery water only for drinking purposes, which is on average 2 to 3 litres per day. This can easily be managed with a plastic tank and the treated water collected in the sumps. This is a first-of-its-kind revolutionary project and we hope everyone cooperates,” Mr. Manohar said.