The sewage treatment plant (STP) project in Halaga village, situated on the outskirts of Belgaum city, has encountered obstacles for over seven years. Initiated under the Amrit scheme, the central government undertook the construction of a 70 MLD (minimal liquid discharge) capacity STP unit in Halaga at a cost of Rs 156 crore. Commencing in 2016 on a 19.2-acre site, the project remains incomplete due to various issues, primarily the farmers’ insistence on additional compensation.
Local MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar’s recent demand for Rs 4 crore compensation per acre to the farmers has further complicated the situation.
Belgaum City Corporation (BCC) officials, following central government guidelines, aim to complete and initiate STP unit operations by March 2024. However, significant portions of the city still await the completion of drainage link works.
Approximately 30 to 35 MLD of wastewater from 58 wards of BCC, the Cantonment Board area, and the Industrial area flow daily. Some of this untreated waste enters Markandeya River via Ballari Nala, posing environmental risks. Farmers in adjacent areas use this wastewater for vegetable cultivation, further compounding the potential hazards.
The STP unit’s construction faced legal hurdles in 2016 when a high court injunction, prompted by farmers, temporarily halted the work. In 2017, the court dismissed the farmers’ appeal, allowing the project to resume. However, in 2019, opposition from farmers delayed the work. The project has recently restarted on the acquired land, but farmers’ demands for additional compensation have slowed progress.
Hanumant Kongali, a BCC member, revealed ongoing discussions within the corporation about raising the compensation amount. In a general meeting held on November 21, a decision was made to submit a proposal to the government. BCC commissioner Ashok Dudagunti emphasized the need for additional funding for the STP unit’s construction on the city’s outskirts, with a proposal already submitted to the government.
