BENGALURU: In a move which could provide relief to thousands of flat dwellers, the BWSSB on Thursday withdrew its retrospective rule for installation of sewage treatment plant (STP) in old apartment complexes.
BWSSB had initially made it mandatory to install STPs in apartment complexes with 20 or more flats. Following an uproar, it amended the rule in April and increased it to 50 or more flats.
However those residing in older apartment complexes opposed the retrospective rule citing lack of space and the huge costs involved. They wanted the BWSSB to drop the rule.
The issue also became the main topic for discussion at the special council meet at the BBMP recently with corporators cutting across party lines demanding water board to drop this retrospective rule.
BBMP Mayor Sampath Raj too said that any rule should not burden citizens.
In a meeting chaired by Bengaluru Development Minister K. J. George and Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, the water board suspended the retrospective rule with immediate effect.
Representatives from Bangalore Apartments' Federation (BAF) made a presentation on the impracticality of retrospective STPs in older apartments.
Mayor Sampath Raj and BWSSB Chairman Tushar Girinath too were present at the meeting. They listened to the requests made by BAF representing lakhs of affected apartment residents and agreed to the demand.
