Every Noida resident has had to bear the stench emanating from the wide, circuitous drains in the city. The drainwater releases gases such as methane, hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide, which pollute the air and are harmful to everyone breathing it in. The gases also damage air-conditioners and refrigerators, for which residents are known to spend thousands every year.
All that, however, is set to change.
The new sewage treatment plant (STP) at Sector 54, Noida, is equipped with Combitreat technology, which will absorb all noxious gases. The technology ensures that when used to its full capacity, the treated effluent is free from these gases. Its cost of operation can also be reduced, as these gases can be harnessed to generate 200 KW power a day.
Noida Authority has spent Rs 55 crore on the project.
Aerial view of a Combitreat sewage treatment plan
Vice-president of the project, Sunil Prasad, said, "The new STP is ready. It will be fully operational in a month."
The capacity of the plant is 54 million litres per day. Currently in its trial run, the supply of sewage to the plant is expected to increase from next month.
The new plant will benefit residents from sectors 14, 14A, 15, 15A, 20, 21, 21A, 22, 25, 25A, 26, 35, 52, 61, 71 and 72, along with adjacent villages.
"The plant can reduce the emission of gases by 40 per cent as of now," Prasad said. "It is likely to reach its full capacity in the coming months, with the development of elevated roads and Noida Metro corridors nearing completion. The fact that sewage pumping stations are not running to their full capacity is also affecting efficiency of the plant at present."
(PHOTO CREDIT: Ramesh Kumar)
