Govt studies underground STPs for Musi

Sewage treatment below ground, public spaces above

Property Pulse

The Telangana government is examining underground sewage treatment plants as part of efforts to improve the environmental conditions of the Musi River, drawing on infrastructure models studied in South Korea.

The concept is to locate sewage treatment facilities below ground while using the surface for parks, sports facilities, public spaces or other community uses. This could reduce the land footprint and some nuisance associated with large above-ground treatment facilities.

Hyderabad already has major sewage treatment infrastructure at Attapur, Amberpet and Nagole. Attapur has been identified for an initial feasibility assessment. A senior team from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board and the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation visited South Korean facilities.

It examined a 250 MLD underground sewage treatment plant in Gwangmyeong, including construction, treatment technology and odour-control systems. The team also studied the Cheonggyecheon restoration project, Anyang Public STP, Han River corridor and Godeok Public Wastewater Treatment Plant in Pyeongtaek.

A Korean company has shown interest in the Hyderabad project. However, the proposal remains at the feasibility and technology-assessment stage.

 Musi Treatment

• 250 MLD is the underground plant capacity studied.
• Attapur is the initial feasibility location.
• South Korea provides the model being studied.
• Surface land could support public spaces.