Panaji: The Goa state pollution control board (GSPCB) has decided that any residential complex with 24 or more flats must have sewage treatment plants (STP). The Goa Land Development and Buildings Regulations, 2010, states that complexes with 50 or more flats must have an STP, and that an STP won’t be required if units are served by existing sewerage lines.The GSPCB said that the decision has been made after conducting a scientific study of the quantum of waste generated by housing complexes. The board has also made it mandatory for the builder to ensure the maintenance of the plant for three years or until the complex is transferred to the society.At a recent meeting, the board considered the regulations’ standard (50 flats) was inconsistent with its decision, and was the subject matter of a PIL in the high court. The board noted that the high court, in its order on Sep 11, held that a final decision on the number of flats is yet to be taken by state govt. The court also said that govt can take the final decision after consultation with the state pollution control board.The GSPCB accordingly decided at its meeting to insist before state govt that all residential housing complexes having more than 24 flats should mandatorily install a STP.“The board receives numerous complaints stating that STPs installed at housing complexes are not operating effectively, thereby causing the discharge of untreated effluent in the open. Further, the board has arrived at the figure of 24 flats after scientifically examining the quantum of wastewater generated,” state the board’s minutes of the meeting.The board also observed that the builder of the complexes initially applies and obtains consent to establish and operate from the GSPCB, but once the flats in the complex are sold out, “the builder does not maintain the STP and in some cases does not hand over the same to the housing society. Due to this dispute, STP is not operated, leading to pollution and health hazards,” it stated.“After further deliberations, it was also decided to direct all builders that in the consent to operate/establish, they will be required to install and thereafter operate and maintain the STPs at the residential complexes for a period of three years or until the same is handed over to the housing society/housing association until the consent is transferred in the name of the society/association,” the board said.Once the STP is handed to the society, the society will have to be sufficiently trained to operate the STP, the board has said.
