SURAT: Finally, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Surat Urban Development Authority (SUDA) authorities have woken up to serious threat of water pollution in Tapi river. Millions of litres of sewage water have been flowing into the river from some of the villages located in the adjoining Kamrej taluka.

SUDA authorities have decided to set up a sewage pumping station and a sewage treatment plant in Kamrej taluka with SMC to prevent the sewage water from flowing directly into the river.

Official sources said the villages located on the bank of Tapi river in Kamrej taluka namely Vav, Laskana, Navagam, Valak, Kholvad, etc. are developing fast. There are over three lakh people residing in these villages and all the sewage water flows into Tapi river.

As per an estimate, around 6 million litres per day (MLD) sewage water generated from the villages in Kamrej taluka is flowing into the river from different exit points.

This has further deteriorated the water quality in the river, thereby affecting the creatures like fish and water plants in the river. Also, the polluted water accumulates in the upstream of wier-cum-causeway and the same water gets pumped into the intake wells to cater to the drinking water needs of the residents in the city.

EH Pathan, SMC's solid waste manager, told TOI, "SUDA has made a comprehensive sewage collection, transmission, treatment and disposal plan for the villages located close to Tapi river embankment in Kamrej taluka. While the project will be implemented by SUDA, the civic body will help in setting up the treatment plant and the pumping station."

Pathan added, "The project is expected to control the pollution in Tapi river. A plan proposal has been put forth in the general board."