A Breathless Ordeal: Foul Odours from STP Choke Commuters at Tiruchy's Panjapur Bus Terminus

Imagine stepping off a bus, weary from travel, only to be assaulted by an unbearable stench that clings to the air, making every breath a challenge. This isn't a dystopian novel; it's the daily reality for thousands of commuters and residents around Tiruchirapalli’s much-anticipated Panjapur Integrated Bus Terminus.

Since its grand inauguration just a few months ago, the state-of-the-art bus terminus, meant to be a beacon of modern infrastructure, has been overshadowed by a pervasive, putrid odour.

The culprit? The nearby Panjapur Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), which, instead of purifying, seems to be a source of persistent pollution.

The air around the terminus, and even half a kilometre away, is thick with a nauseating smell, particularly potent during the cooler hours of morning and evening.

Commuters report experiencing headaches, nausea, and an overwhelming sense of discomfort. What was supposed to be a convenient travel hub has, for many, become a health hazard and a source of dread.

Local authorities, specifically the Tiruchirapalli City Corporation, are well aware of the escalating issue.

The STP, commissioned in 2021-22 and utilizing Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology, has unfortunately not lived up to its promise of efficient waste treatment without environmental nuisance. Officials have acknowledged that the odour originates from the open sludge pits within the plant premises.

In response to mounting public pressure, the Corporation has reportedly initiated measures to mitigate the problem.

These include covering the sludge pits, deploying deodorants, and exploring technical interventions to rectify the operational flaws. There's also talk of re-evaluating the plant's technology and processes to ensure long-term odour control.

However, for those enduring the daily assault on their senses, these assurances ring hollow amidst the ongoing stench.

Commuters and local residents are vehemently demanding a permanent solution, emphasizing that the brand-new terminus should not be synonymous with unpleasantness. The reputation of Tiruchy, a city striving for urban excellence, hinges on resolving such fundamental issues of public health and quality of life.

The plea is clear: eliminate the foul air and allow the Panjapur Bus Terminus to finally breathe free, offering a truly pleasant experience to all.