Untreated wastewater flowing into Puri sea sparks public anger; WATCO plans Rs 37-crore modern treatment system

Continuous discharge of untreated wastewater from Puri city allegedly into the sea near Banki Muhana has triggered sharp public resentment, with residents alleging that the foul-smelling environment and dark, contaminated water have created persistent health and sanitation concerns.

Large volumes of sewage, described by locals as black, slushy and toxic, were seen flowing directly into the seawater, with environmental observers warning of escalating pollution in the surrounding marine stretch.

Residents Record Worsening Stench

According to residents living near the discharge point, the wastewater treatment mechanism installed during the previous government’s tenure has failed to function effectively, resulting in untreated sewage entering the sea on a daily basis.

They added that the stench in the area has intensified over recent months and that mosquito infestation has increased sharply around the affected locality.

“Anyone can see the unhygienic conditions here. The agency that was engaged earlier did some cleaning, but the new firm has been completely negligent. The entire area is infested with mosquitoes, and it has become intolerable for people to live here,” said Pratima Behera, a resident.

Environmental workers pointed to the same issue, stating that the existing plant is not performing the filtration required to prevent contamination of seawater.

Sukant Pradhan, an environmentalist, said the discharge was a direct consequence of a non-functional purification system and warned that such contamination increases risks of waterborne and contagious diseases in adjoining areas.

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Toxic Mixing Of Sewage With Seawater

Sources asked environmental activists, who said the pollutants carried through the main channel into the sea, were degrading the near-shore ecosystem.

They added that the existing infrastructure near Banki Muhana was expanded earlier, but remained insufficient to handle the volume of waste generated by the city, allowing large amounts of untreated discharge to flow into the ocean.

Watco Announces Rs 37-Crore Project

Amid rising complaints, Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) has announced a proposal to construct a new wastewater treatment system at Banki Muhana.

The project, estimated at Rs 37 crore, will use the SABRE treatment technology and is designed to process 15 million litres per day (MLD) of wastewater generated within Puri city. According to officials, the tender process has been completed and approved by the head office, with construction scheduled to be completed within six months.

“We have planned a new wastewater management system for Banki Muhana that will use SABRE technology. For this STP, the tender process is underway and has been approved. The new system will allow us to reuse the treated water,” said Bikram Rout, General Manager, WATCO.

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Environmental groups have welcomed the move, saying the upgrade is necessary to prevent further degradation of coastal waters and to ensure that Puri’s sewage management keeps pace with tourism-related pressure.

WATCO has maintained that civil work for the 15 MLD plant will begin shortly, with the agency targeting a six-month completion period, after which recycled water distribution lines will be integrated into landscaping and public utility zones identified for non-potable use.