State-of-the-Art Septage Treatment Plant Inaugurated in Itanagar to Boost Sanitation Efforts
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) : In a major step forward for urban sanitation in the capital region, Balo Raja, the Minister for Urban Local Bodies & Urban Development, inaugurated a cutting-edge 100 KLD Septage Treatment Plant at Chimpu today. The plant, a key component of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 1.0, was initiated by the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) to enhance sanitation and promote environmental sustainability in the region.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Techi Kaso, MLA and Advisor to the Minister for Urban Local Bodies, Commissioner of IMC Techu Aran, local Corporators, and other distinguished guests.
Commending the IMC team for their dedication, Minister Balo Raja emphasized the project’s importance in improving sanitation and environmental conditions in the capital area. “The project is now complete, and I have personally inspected the site before today’s inauguration. While the plant is ready for operation and has successfully undergone a trial run, we still need more suction vehicles. Delaying until those vehicles arrive could hinder the project’s progress, but I am satisfied that it is ready to begin operations,” he stated, adding that efforts will be made to acquire additional vehicles if necessary.
Minister Raja also urged the IMC to ensure the smooth functioning of the project, highlighting the need for ongoing responsibility and oversight.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Tamme Phassang provided details on the project, which was sanctioned under AMRUT 1.0 in 2019 with an agreement amount of Rs 14.94 crore. Despite delays due to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and technical issues, the IMC managed to complete the plant within the designated timeframe.
“The Septage Treatment Plant was critical under the Swachh Survekshan guidelines. Its absence had previously excluded us from key cleanliness assessments and even led to fines from the National Green Tribunal. Now, with this plant operational, we are better positioned to meet national cleanliness standards,” said Mayor Phassang.
The Mayor expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein for their continued support in realizing the project. He noted that for the first six months, the plant will be operated by the implementing company, after which it will be handed over to the IMC for continued management. Initially, two vehicles will be deployed to run the plant, with additional modified suction vehicles to be delivered later by the contractor.
Mayor Phassang also shared updates on the progress of a separate Sewerage Treatment Plant nearing completion in Naharlagun, which will further bolster the city’s sanitation infrastructure.
Other speakers at the event included MLA Techi Kaso, IMC Commissioner Techu Aran, Ward No. 1 Corporator Lokam Anand, and IMC EE (P-I) Yumlam Take, who all highlighted the significance of the project for the community and its expected impact on the city’s sanitation standards.