Pune: Pashan STP Faces Failure During Trial; Sewage Discharge Into Lake Sparks NGT Compliance Concerns
Pune: Pashan STP Faces Failure During Trial; Sewage Discharge Into Lake Sparks NGT Compliance Concerns
Pune, April 8, 2026:
Serious concerns have been raised over alleged non-compliance with directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in connection with pollution at Pashan Lake, following operational failures at the Pashan Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).
Krunnal Gharre, Vice President of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Pune and the applicant in the case, has accused the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) of inadequate planning and execution of sewage treatment infrastructure in the area.
According to Gharre, the 1 MLD Pashan STP commissioned last year was insufficient from the beginning to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Bavdhan population. Despite repeated submissions highlighting capacity concerns, PMC allegedly did not revise its plans and instead suggested installing flow meters to manage excess sewage.
During its trial phase, the STP reportedly exceeded its designed capacity, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. The plant has also faced multiple operational challenges within a year of commissioning, including a shutdown lasting nearly three months due to maintenance and technical issues.
In a significant development, excess sewage is reportedly being diverted and discharged directly into Pashan Lake, reversing earlier efforts to intercept and treat sewage from Bhugaon and surrounding areas.
Gharre has announced that AAP Pune will stage a protest, including a symbolic dharna in sewage water, to draw attention to what he described as a “blatant disregard” for environmental norms and judicial directives.
An execution application has also been filed against PMC, Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and the Bhugaon and Bhukum Gram Panchayats. The plea seeks the imposition of environmental penalties for alleged violations and failure to comply with NGT orders.
Gharre termed the issue a serious breach of public trust, warning of environmental and public health risks if corrective measures are not taken promptly.
