BENGALURU: Spelling relief for residents of smaller buildings (20-50 units), the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has put on hold penalties for failing to install Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). It has sought clarifications from the government about certain clauses, including whether the rules are applicable for existing properties, as retrospective implementation has met with stiff opposition.
BWSSB officials said 3,729 notices had been issued between August and December last year. But following consultations with residents, the board has forwarded their concerns to the Urban Development Department seeking directions on 10 points.
“We have asked if this new rule is applicable to existing properties or new ones, as several residents have voiced their inability to install STPs in existing buildings. This is because they have no setback area to accommodate an STP. The other concerns are about utilisation of the treated water. For using this water for flushing, separate pipelines will have to be laid. Some don’t have gardens where the treated water can be used,” said a BWSSB official.
Confusion
Some of the 3,729 property-owners who were penalised have already paid up. There is confusion about what till happen to this money if the government offers relief to buildings with 20-50 units.
“We again approached the Chief Minister’s office this week requesting the government to stop retrospective implementation of the rule. Some citizens have gone to court,” said M.S. Shankar, Karnataka Convenor, Apartment Owners Associations.
Mahendra Jain, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department said the government will take a decision soon.
STPs mandatory for
Residential projects with more than 20 dwelling units
Commercial projects with over 2,000 sqm built-up area
Educational institutions with over 5,000 sqm built-up area
Townships, area development projects of 10 acres and above
Penalty for non-compliance
Residential projects: 25% of water and sanitary bill for first three months and then 50% till STP is installed
Commercial projects: 50% of water and sanitary bill till STP is installed
3,729 notices issued until December 2016
