RESIDENTS of Talpuri International Colony’s A Block and Gulmohar Colony have announced a boycott of the upcoming municipal elections unless the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) near their homes is removed. They allege that the plant has been causing severe foul odour and unhygienic conditions for more than a decade, while repeated complaints to the authorities have failed to bring any lasting solution. Residents said the STP is located barely 10 metres from residential buildings, making daily life difficult for families, particularly children and elderly people. They claimed that the foul smell becomes worse during the rainy season when sewage chambers overflow. Some residents also alleged that foul-smelling gas enters their kitchens through drainage outlets, making cooking and sitting inside their homes difficult. The residents have repeatedly approached MPs, MLAs, ministers, district officials and Risali Municipal Corporation authorities. They said they have received assurances about shifting the plant but have seen no concrete action. Former Collector Rina Babasaheb had also visited the area and witnessed the problem, residents recalled.

 

According to residents, the colony’s original plan included three STPs, but one was withdrawn while two continued. They alleged that the Gulmohar plant, initially intended to handle sewage from around 200 houses, was later connected to another 200 houses, increasing the burden on the facility. Residents said a proposal to connect Talpuri’s sewage network to the Bhilai Steel Plant’s (BSP) 30-million-litre-per-day STP has remained pending for around three years. While the initial cost estimate was reportedly between Rs 1.7 crore and Rs 2 crore, the tender amount rose to Rs 2.5 crore, with budget constraints cited as a reason for the delay. They also pointed out that the existing annual maintenance contract costs around Rs 70 lakh. Residents have reportedly lodged complaints with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and through the CPGRAMS portal, alleging violations of environmental norms. However, they said no concrete solution has emerged. A signature campaign has been launched, and boards announcing the election boycott have been put up in the area. Residents said they would not be satisfied with written assurances alone and demanded visible action to remove the STP and provide relief to affected families.