KSRTC to set up sewage treatment plants

Kochi: Commuters arriving at bus stations like Ernakulam were faced with the unpleasant prospect of having to negotiate reeking sewage flowing, especially during monsoon. Finally a solution is round the corner.

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has decided to set up Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at bus stations, garages and workshops where the issue persists.

"We're issued notice by the Kochi Corporation in Ernakulam in the past. Often the problem exists due to fast filling of septic tanks during rainy season. Though we approached many agencies, none could provide us with a quick fix solution," said a senior official with the RTC Civil Works wing.

The KSRTC has already invited Expression of Interest (EoI) from experienced firms/ agencies for design and constructions of the facilities at bus-stations and garages.

"The ETP/STPs should be designed in accordance with the locality features. The sewage water can be treated first and then disposed off in a environment-friendly manner. The facilities are a must for all new buildings. Hence we're selecting an empanelled list of agencies whom we can entrust the work at short notice," the official said.

The corporation employees, especially those in the mechanical wing, have raised complaints over "untidy" garages and workshops due to piling of raw-material and spare-part wastes.

However, the corporation is facing an acute financial crisis and the management is planning to seek state government aid to implement the project.

"Even out ongoing building projects at depots like Malappuram and Harippad couldn't be completed due to financial woes. We're expecting much turnout from leasing out of shops of bus depots but the same yield poor response," the official added.