Belthangady : B Ramanath Rai inaugurated advanced sewage treatment plant, at Dharmasthala here on Sunday Nov 9.

Speaking after inaugurating advanced sewage treatment plant, he said the government will formulate a project to select one TMC or a village on a pilot basis for recycling of sewage water. Financial award will be given to those who come out with the best model. It will be extended to entire state. Suitable guidelines will be issued after consulting the senior officials.

Under multi-village drinking water scheme, STP will also be constructed. With the re-use of treated water for agriculture purpose, the availability of drinking water will be increased and will also help in maintaining cleanliness.

“Protection of environment is the responsibility of all the citizens. The STP at Dharmastahala treats the sewage biologically, using naturally available bacteria. It is suitable to the eco-sensitive area, as it is odourless and its discharge into environment is safe,” the minister said.

Rai said that a proposal to implement ‘Nirmala Bantwal’ will be initiated at an estimated cost of Rs 1.90 crore. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said that the sewage water from Mangalore city should be treated and used for agriculture purpose in the neighbouring villages.

MLA Vasanth Bangera said that the District-in-Charge Minister should transform DK district into a ‘Nirmala’ district. Zilla Panchayat President Asha Thimmappa Gowda said that few water bodies inside the forest should be used for supplying water to the village.

In his presidential address, Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade said the plant will process 36 lakh litres of sewage a day.

The treated water from the plant meets the quality standards prescribed by the government authority. The plant is located at a two-km distance from the town. The sewage is taken to the plant through a scientifically designed drainage system.

There are 1,790 toilets and 1,460 bathrooms in Dharmasthala. About 25 lakh litres of sewage will be collected daily and recycled and will be used for gardening. The STP is developed at a cost of Rs eight crore.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and others were presesnt.