The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) has taken a significant step to address a long-standing demand from real estate developers. It has prepared a draft policy that would allow residential colonies built outside the city's official limits to connect their surplus wastewater to the municipal sewerage network and treatment plants.
Policy Aims to Regulate Wastewater Discharge from External Colonies
The move comes after civic officials received repeated requests from developers of such colonies. Currently, there is no formal mechanism to permit these connections. The draft policy specifically targets realtors who developed their colonies after obtaining the necessary licences under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA), 1995.
The objective is to create a regulated framework for sustainable sewerage management. MC superintending engineer Ekjot Singh confirmed that the draft has been prepared and placed for the approval of the MC's general house. The policy is scheduled for discussion in the house meeting on December 26.
Legal Amendments and Proposed Charges
Before the policy can be officially approved and notified, a legal hurdle must be cleared. Officials stated that relevant sections of the Punjab Municipal Corporation (PMC) Act, 1976, specifically sections 203 and 213 which govern sewerage connections, would need to be amended. The power to make these amendments rests solely with the state government.
To frame this policy, a dedicated committee was formed. This committee included officials from the MC, the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (Glada), and the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB).
Under the proposed policy, colonies seeking connections will have to pay several charges to the MC. These include:
- Sewerage Infrastructure Development Charge (SIDC)
- STP Capacity Enhancement Charge (STP-CEC)
- Land acquisition and administrative costs
- Regular user charges
Expected Benefits and Sustainable Management
Officials advocating for the policy cite multiple benefits. They claim it will lead to sustainable sewerage management and an overall improvement in environmental conditions in the greater Ludhiana area. A key advantage is the creation of a dedicated revenue stream.
The charges collected from these colonies will establish a mechanism to meet the recurring costs associated with the city's sewerage infrastructure. This includes funds for the upgradation, strengthening, and maintenance of sewerage lines and Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs), as well as covering their ongoing operation and maintenance expenses.
If passed, this policy could formalise wastewater management for peripheral urban developments, ensuring they contribute financially to the city's system they wish to join.
