Concession agreement inked for STP projects in WB

A concession agreement was signed on Wednesday for the Howrah, Bally and Baranagar and Kamarhati sewage treatment plant (STP) projects under the Centre's Namami Gange initiative, the Jal Shakti Ministry said. The project has been awarded to VA Tech Wabag at a cost of Rs 592 crore. "During the event, a concession agreement was signed for Howrah, Bally and Baranagar and Kamarhati STP projects under Hybrid Annuity based PPP mode for West Bengal," a statement read.

These are first set of projects awarded in West Bengal under the concept of 'One City, One Operator' through Hybrid Annuity based PPP mode. The project includes development of three new STPs of total 165 Million Litre Per Day (MLD) capacity -- 65 MLD in Howrah, 40 MLD in Bally and 60 MLD in Baranagar and Kamarhati, respectively.

It also includes rehabilitation of existing 22 MLD STP in Bally, laying of 16 kms of sewerage network, rehabilitation of existing pumping stations and associated infrastructure and operation and maintenance of entire assets for a period of 15 years, the statement added. Speaking at the event, Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stressed on the need for a people's movement for protection of environment in general and conservation of water in particular.

He said living in harmony with nature and worshipping its various elements has always been an integral part of the Indian culture. "We need to re-focus on these values and revive the reverence for nature so that protection of environment becomes part of our consciousness," he said.

(With inputs from agencies.)