Foul Smell from Panjapur Bus Terminus Sewage Treatment Plant Irks Commuters

A foul smell from the sewage treatment plant near the Panjapur bus terminus is causing discomfort to commuters. Corporation officials have identified minor seepages as a possible source and are planning to plug the leaks and implement additional measures. A new STP is being built under AMRUT 2.0 at an estimated cost of ₹220 crore, with a capacity to treat 100 million litres of sewage per day. The existing STP will be dismantled once the new one is commissioned.

Mumbai, July 2, 2025 - Commuters at the Panjapur bus terminus have been experiencing discomfort due to a persistent foul smell emanating from the nearby sewage treatment plant (STP). Corporation officials have identified minor seepages as the likely cause and are planning to address these issues by plugging the leaks and implementing additional measures.

The existing STP is currently under scrutiny, with officials noting that minor seepages could be the root cause of the unpleasant odor. To mitigate this, a new STP is being constructed under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 at an estimated cost of ₹220 crore. This new facility will have a capacity to treat 100 million litres of sewage per day. Once commissioned, the existing STP will be dismantled to ensure a more efficient and effective sewage treatment system.

AMRUT 2.0, launched in 2021, has allocated Rs 90 billion to Maharashtra to enhance civic infrastructure, including water supply, sanitation, and green spaces. However, delays in project execution have raised concerns [1]. The mission aims to provide uninterrupted water supply, modern sanitation, and green public spaces to build resilient, equitable, and environmentally sustainable cities. The new STP in Panjapur is a critical component of this mission, aiming to improve urban services and reduce the ecological cost of unplanned growth.

The construction of the new STP is part of a broader strategy to accelerate AMRUT works and address long-standing urban infrastructure deficits. Experts argue that robust civic infrastructure is essential for sustainable transport goals, improved air quality, and pedestrian safety [1]. The timely completion of this project is crucial to meet the mission's objectives and ensure the city's continued growth is sustainable and inclusive.

References:
[1] https://www.constructionworld.in/policy-updates-and-economic-news/mumbai-urged-to-fast-track-rs-90-billion-amrut-projects/78053