Boottee Street Residents oppose Sewage Plant
The sewage treatment plant has the capacity to treat 20 million litres daily (MLD) sewage and is expected to cost Rs 10 crore. However, residents around Boottee street area are opposing the project and want the cantonment to rethink the plan. The spot chosen is very close to a school. It was expected that the cantonment board will take people of this area into confidence before planning to set up the plant, which did not happen.
People living in areas near the site of the proposed sewage treatment plant (STP) on Boottee Street in Pune Cantonment are opposed to the plant because they think it The poses health hazards. Pune cantonment board (PCB), however, says that the Boottee Street is the best location available.
Shailendra Bidkar, a PCB member, said, “The board is following the process laid down by the law. A detailed study of the plant and the site is needed for which the help of a consultant will be taken. We have invited bids for consultation and construction of this plant.”
The board member from this area, Sangita Pawar, said that the issue has been discussed during the general body meeting and public sentiments have been conveyed to the authorities. “We will discuss people’s opposition to the plant during the next meetings, before taking a final decision,” she said. Karan Makwani, the vicepresident of the PCB, said that the selected location is ideal. “It is close to a nullah and setting up such plants near nullahs is advised by experts. The plant will be safe so people should not worry.”
Ashok Pawar, resident of Cantonment, said the plant should be set up at some other place. “The plant will take away the open space used by children as a playground. The board should find some other land,” he said. Viraf Surty, another resident, said that if an accident happens at the plant, it will pose a major threat since the area is densely populated. People said that places of worship are located near the proposed site. Besides, there are about 10 schools in the one km radius of the location, apart from shopping complexes and shops.
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