Pune, 30 June 2025: The sewage treatment plant built between Bavdhan and Pashan to prevent pollution in Pashan Lake caused by contaminated water is now complete and awaiting inauguration.
For years, local residents and environmentalists had raised concerns about untreated sewage flowing into the lake. In response, an advanced one million litres per day (MLD) capacity sewage treatment plant has been constructed using modern Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) technology.
Although the project is now complete, residents are keenly waiting for its official inauguration. Earlier, untreated sewage from nearby societies and properties from Bhugaon to Bavdhan used to flow directly into the Ram river, polluting both the river and Pashan Lake.
This resulted in an increase in mosquitoes and water hyacinth in the lake, causing discomfort for residents in the surrounding areas due to foul smells and health concerns. In response, citizens had long demanded the construction of a treatment plant, a demand which has now been fulfilled.
Project Timeline & Features
The project was launched in 2023 under the 15th Finance Commission with a budget of ₹5.5 crore. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) undertook tasks such as repairing old sewage pipelines and installing a new 900 mm diameter, 1,200-meter-long pipeline. The plant, based on IFAS technology, will be completed in 2025.
Key Benefits of the Project:
Control over water pollution and excessive water hyacinth in Pashan Lake.
Improvement in lake biodiversity.
Reduction in mosquito breeding and foul smells.
Reuse of nearly 10 lakh litres of treated water daily for gardening and construction.
“This plant was essential to reduce the hardships faced by local citizens. After consistent follow-up and communication, the project is now complete and will benefit both the lake and nearby communities,” said Shivam Sutar, former PMC nominated member. He also acknowledged the support of Union Minister Muralidhar Mohol and Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil.
“Except for some minor exterior work, the project is complete. We will begin trial runs next week and will formally inaugurate it soon after,”Atul Kadu, Junior Engineer, PMC Sewerage Department.