PANAJI: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has mandated that any residential complex with 24 or more flats must be equipped with a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). According to the Goa Land Development and Buildings Regulations, 2010, complexes with 50 or more flats are required to have an STP only if they’re not connected to existing sewerage lines.
The GSPCB’s decision comes after a comprehensive study on the volume of waste generated by housing complexes. Builders are now required to maintain the STP for three years or until the complex is formally transferred to the housing society.
During a recent meeting, the board found that the current standard of 50 flats was inconsistent with its recent resolutions and was a topic of discussion in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) pending in the high court. The court, on Sep 11, noted that a final determination regarding the number of flats would be made by the state government after consulting with the GSPCB.
As a result, the GSPCB decided that all residential complexes with more than 24 flats will be required to install an STP.
“We receive numerous complaints about STPs in housing complexes not functioning properly, leading to the release of untreated effluent. The board concluded that the threshold of 24 flats is based on scientific assessment of wastewater production,” stated the meeting minutes.
The board also highlighted that builders typically apply for permissions to establish and operate STPs but often fail to maintain them or transfer them to the housing society after selling the flats. This neglect can lead to significant pollution and health risks.
“Following further deliberation, it was decided that builders must ensure the installation, operation, and maintenance of STPs for a minimum of three years or until they are handed over to the housing society, pending the transfer of consent,” added the board.
Once the STP is transferred to the society, it must be adequately trained to operate the facility, according to the board’s directive.
