Cherthala's first faecal sludge treatment plant opens soon

A new faecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) in Anatharaveli, Cherthala, is set to open on March 28. The inauguration will be led by M.B. Rajesh, the Minister for Local Self-Governments. This FSTP is the first of its kind in Alappuzha district, built by the Cherthala municipality. It has been equipped with modern technology for processing toilet waste. The plant was constructed on land owned by the municipality and cost ₹7.33 crore as part of the Rebuild Kerala Initiative. The FSTP will have a capacity to treat 250 kilolitres of waste each day. It will handle waste from the Cherthala municipality and nearby areas. The company that built the plant, based in Mumbai, will maintain it for a period of 10 years. Officials plan to convert the treated sludge into fertilizer, which will then be sold. The plant will also use treated water for irrigation in the surrounding green areas and gardens along National Highway 66. Construction of the FSTP started in 2022 but faced delays due to local protests. Residents had concerns about the facility and had approached the Kerala High Court. The court directed them to discuss their issues with the government. Minister Rajesh later held talks with residents to address their concerns. To provide better understanding, the government arranged site visits to other FSTPs. After ongoing discussions, the project was sped up. The opening of the FSTP comes at a crucial time, as Cherthala is dealing with serious environmental and water pollution issues. Officials believe this new facility will help improve the situation.