In a major push to curb sewage pollution in lakes amid Lokayukta scrutiny, Mandya Deputy Commissioner Kumar on Friday directed officials to complete the upgradation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) at Guttalu and Chikkegowdanadoddi by the end of August.

Presiding over a review meeting at his office on the progress of STP upgradation works and pending underground drainage pipeline projects in Mandya, the DC said urgent measures were necessary to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the Guttalu-Yattagadahalli lake system.

“The Upalokayukta has already inspected the polluted lakes and a suo motu complaint has also been registered before the Lokayukta. Along with lake rejuvenation, preventing sewage inflow into water bodies has become a priority,” he said.

The STP at Guttalu-Yattagadahalli has a capacity of 9.52 MLD, while the Chikkegowdanadoddi plant can treat 8.90 MLD of wastewater. The State government is undertaking the upgradation works at a cost of ₹30 crore using funds from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) compensation fund.

The DC reviewed sewage and wastewater management projects across several urban local bodies in the district and directed officials to expedite implementation.

In Maddur town, a decentralised wastewater treatment plant has been proposed for Chamanahalli Ashraya Layout under the Used Water Management Scheme at a cost of ₹1.15 crore. Survey and DPR preparation have already been completed and submitted to the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC). Officials informed the meeting that the tender process has been completed and works are expected to begin shortly.

For Nagamangala town, a ₹25-crore DPR has been prepared for restoration of the existing underground drainage network, revival of abandoned sewer lines, and rehabilitation of wet wells and STPs. The tender process has also been completed.

The Deputy Commissioner also instructed officials to address deficiencies in the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) system in Bellur town and immediately deploy suction vehicles. In Pandavapura, the tender process for construction of a sewage treatment facility has been completed and works are awaiting commencement.

In Malavalli town, DPRs worth ₹7.11 crore have been prepared for completing missing underground drainage links and upgrading wet wells and STPs under the Used Water Management Scheme. The proposals have been submitted to KUIDFC for approval.

Similarly, in Srirangapatna, KUIDFC has awarded works worth ₹18.12 crore for underground drainage “missing links” and construction of four wet wells to a Bengaluru-based contractor.

District Urban Development Cell Project Director T.N. Narasimhamurthy, Executive Engineer Pratap, Municipal Commissioner U.P. Pampashree and other officials attended the meeting.