The Government of Punjab on September 18, 2026, notified regarding the Criteria for grant of consents to Sewage Treatment Plants (STP's) installed by Department of Local Government in the State of Punjab.
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has prescribed criteria for grant of Consent to Operate (CTO) to Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) established by the Department of Local Bodies in Punjab under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. STPs, irrespective of their capacity or treatment technology, are classified under the Red Category. Each existing STP is required to obtain a separate CTO, with consent fees of ₹2,500 per MLD per annum, subject to a minimum of ₹10,000 per STP per annum, applicable from the date of notification.
STPs having DG sets must obtain separate consent under the Air Act for the DG set component by submitting the prescribed simplified application, nominal fee and analysis report from an approved laboratory. Initially, CTO for the STP outlet will be granted for one year, subject to conditions including compliance with the action plan submitted to the National Green Tribunal, conformity of treated wastewater with prescribed standards, and proper collection and disposal of generated sludge.
Where a Local Body fails to apply for CTO or its renewal within the prescribed period, penalties ranging from 10% to 100% of the annual consent fee will apply depending on the delay. However, this penalty will not apply to STPs provided by ULBs, Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, military/defence organisations or other Government agencies. Where STP operations are outsourced to a private agency and the agency files the consent application, the penalty provisions will apply.
[Notification No. STE-STEB010/26/2023-STE4/575621]
