Water stagnation near the sewage treatment plant (STP) at Panjapur has become a major concern, with commuters complaining about a persistent stench in areas surrounding the integrated bus terminus in Tiruchi.

The unpleasant smell, reportedly emanating from the STP located near the terminus, has been causing severe discomfort to the public. The issue has been persistent for months, but the situation has worsened following recent rain.

“The stagnant water has accumulated near the STP, forming a pond-like stretch covered with thick weeds and moss. The stink not only causes inconvenience to the public but also tarnishes the image of the bus terminus,” said Shiva, a commuter.

Passengers expressed concern that the stagnation and smell could pose a health hazard to the public, particularly as the bus terminus witnesses heavy footfall every day. They said that the stagnant water could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other vector-borne diseases.

Corporation officials had earlier identified minor seepages from the STP as a possible source of the odour and assured that steps would be taken to plug the leaks. However, no concrete measures have been initiated so far to resolve the issue.

Meanwhile, a new STP is being established under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation at an estimated cost of ₹233.87 crore. Construction began in March 2024, and the civic body aims to commission the project by August.

The proposed facility is intended to meet the city’s future sewage treatment requirements. Once completed, the new plant will replace the existing facility and will have the capacity to treat 100 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage collected from 50 wards in the city, including Wards 1 to 39, 42 to 44, 48 to 54 and 59.

At present, Tiruchi generates around 50 MLD of sewage, which is being treated at the existing 58.64 MLD-capacity sewage treatment plant constructed under the National River Conservation Plan using the Waste Stabilisation Pond method.

While the existing plant occupies about 274 acres, the new STP is being built on around 20 acres. Once the new STP is commissioned, the civic body plans to dismantle the existing plant and utilise the land for other development projects.