In a landmark move for environmental sustainability, Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL) has announced plans to establish a massive sewage treatment plant that will transform water management in its industrial operations and township.
A Giant Leap Towards Water Conservation
The new facility will boast an impressive capacity to treat 30 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage water, marking a significant step in BSL's environmental initiatives. According to Manikant Dhan, the company spokesperson who made the announcement on Wednesday, this project represents a crucial component in the steel plant's strategy to achieve zero liquid discharge.
"Currently, BSL supplies approximately 39 MGD of potable water to its industrial operations and township," Dhan explained. "With nearly 30 MGD of wastewater generated from both industrial and domestic sources, the new STP will enable scientific treatment, recycling, and reuse of this water, significantly reducing our environmental impact."
Advanced Technology for Superior Results
The sewage treatment plant will employ cutting-edge sequential batch reactor (SBR) technology, ensuring that the treated water meets all quality standards set by the state pollution control board. Company officials emphasized that the recycled water will actually demonstrate superior quality compared to untreated water currently drawn from the Damodar River.
The revolutionary aspect of this initiative lies in its practical application - the recycled water will be directly reused in steel production processes, creating a circular water economy within the plant's operations.
Substantial Economic and Environmental Benefits
Once operational, the STP is expected to dramatically reduce BSL's dependency on raw water sources. The facility will cut approximately 4,000-5,000 cubic meters per hour of water drawn from the Damodar River, providing significant relief to the local water ecosystem.
The financial implications are equally impressive. "This initiative is projected to save around Rs 50 crore annually," revealed Dhan. The project aligns with several national programs including the Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Namami Gange, demonstrating BSL's commitment to national environmental goals.
In an additional environmental boost, officials confirmed that the long-awaited municipal solid waste management project will soon be implemented in the township. With both the sewage treatment plant and solid waste facilities operational, BSL Township will become the first city in Jharkhand to offer advanced environmental infrastructure at this comprehensive scale.
This dual approach to waste and water management positions Bokaro as a pioneer in industrial environmental responsibility, setting a new standard for other industrial townships across India to follow.