🔴 Non-Functional Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs): A Hidden Crisis in Housing Societies In India, the law mandates that residential societies above a certain size must install sewage treatment plants (STPs) to manage wastewater sustainably. As a result, most modern housing societies comply by setting up STPs — but installation alone is not the solution. 🚫 The Real Problem Begins After Installation: Once the society receives its Occupancy Certificate (OC), the urgency to operate the STP often fades. This leads to STPs lying idle, poorly maintained, or run at sub-optimal levels. 💰 Why Do STPs Become Non-Functional? - High Operational Costs - Running an STP involves: - Skilled manpower - Regular energy consumption (electric motors, pumps, blowers) - Chemical usage for treatment Maintenance contracts : For many societies, this becomes a monthly burden on their already stretched maintenance budgets. Lack of Technical Expertise : Societies often do not have an in-house engineer or trained facility manager. As a result, they're dependent on external vendors who may be irregular, expensive, or unaccountable. Reactive Rather Than Preventive Mindset: Many societies only act when the STP breaks down, emits foul odors, or attracts legal notices. Preventive maintenance is rarely prioritized. No Monitoring or Performance Check: There's usually no system to track if the treated water meets environmental norms. Often, untreated or partially treated water is discharged, risking pollution and penalties. Lack of Awareness Among Residents: Most residents are unaware of how important the STP is. So when budgets are discussed, fund allocation for STP operations is the first to be cut. ⚠️ Consequences of Non-Functional STPs: - Heavy fines from Pollution Control Boards (₹50, 000 to ₹1 lakh or more per inspection). - Environmental harm by releasing untreated sewage into natural water bodies. - Foul smell and air quality issues around the premises. - Water-logging and pipe damage due to untreated sludge build-up. - Health risks for children and elderly due to bacterial contamination. - Poor reputation of the society affecting real estate value. ✅ Summary: Installing an STP is not enough — regular operation, skilled maintenance, and performance tracking are critical. When ignored, it becomes a liability instead of a sustainability asset.