PMC Mandates Green Tankers with Clear Label for STP Water Supply

Pune : The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has made a new rule for STP Water Supply. Now, all tankers that deliver STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) water must be painted green and have a label saying, “This is not drinking water; it is STP water.” This rule came after a serious mistake when a tanker delivered STP water as drinking water. This incident happened at the Nyati Elissia Society in Kharadi.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) treats around 450 million liters of sewage every day. The PMC has total nine sewage treatment plants (STPs). The treated water is usually released into rivers or used for construction, parks, and industrial activities. Last year, the PMC made it mandatory for construction projects in the city to use STP-treated water. They also launched an app to help builders and tanker operators manage the water distribution. However, the app hasn’t been widely used. Also some unregulated practices within the tanker industry have raised concerns.

Nandkishor Jagtap, who leads the water supply department, said, “Even though we told tanker suppliers to keep STP water separate, this mistake has led us to make green tankers a rule. Only green tankers can fill water at PMC filling stations. We will also let all housing societies know about this to make sure they follow the rule.”

The police are going to file a case against the contractor involved in the Kharadi mistake. They are worried about how this could affect people’s health. The police asked PMC for advice on the legal actions to take. The PMC suggested charges for putting public health at risk. A formal case is being prepared.

Rajendra Bhosale, the PMC commissioner, said, “We are looking into the complaints about STP water being used in housing societies. The water from the contractor is being tested. We are also watching the water suppliers more closely to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”