Sewage Treatment Plant in Dholera SIR (2025 Update) – Building a Green Backbone for India’s First Smart City
Dholera’s Vision for a Sustainable Urban Future
As India’s first greenfield smart city, Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) is not just about world-class roads and digital infrastructure—it’s about creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that prioritizes environmental balance. Among its most critical but often overlooked projects is the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)—a cornerstone of Dholera’s commitment to clean living, water reuse, and eco-conscious development.
In 2025, the Dholera STP is taking shape as a model facility designed to serve both urban dwellers and industrial giants, ensuring that waste management is not just a necessity but a strategic strength.
Project Overview: Dholera STP Highlights (2025)
Feature | Details |
Plant Name | Dholera STP – Phase 1 |
Treatment Capacity | 10 MLD (expandable to 30 MLD) |
Location | Activation Area, DSIR (22.5 km²) |
Purpose | Domestic & Industrial Sewage Treatment |
Technology | MBBR / SBR + Tertiary Disinfection |
Construction Status | Under active development |
Sustainability Goal | Treated water reuse & zero discharge |
Why Dholera Needs a Modern STP
Dholera is envisioned to house over 2 million people and host thousands of industries. Without an efficient sewage treatment system, water contamination, groundwater depletion, and urban health risks would undermine the smart city promise.
The Sewage Treatment Plant bridges that gap by:
- Processing wastewater safely
- Recycling treated water for reuse
- Reducing environmental pollution
- Supporting green infrastructure like landscaping and cooling towers
This aligns with Dholera’s overall aim of achieving a zero-liquid-discharge zone, which makes it a climate-resilient city of the future.
Technology Used in Dholera STP
The STP employs cutting-edge treatment technologies customized for smart cities and high-density urban centers:
1. Preliminary Treatment
- Screens, grit chambers to remove solids and debris
2. Secondary (Biological) Treatment
- Likely MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor) or SBR (Sequencing Batch Reactor) for organic removal
3. Tertiary Treatment
- Chlorination / UV disinfection for pathogen removal
- Reuse-ready effluent for landscaping and industry
These advanced systems help ensure high-quality discharge, meeting CPCB norms and ready for non-potable reuse.
Construction & Implementation – 2025 Status Report
The Dholera STP project has been allotted as part of the Core Infrastructure Phase-1. As of mid-2025:
- Civil and mechanical works are ongoing with dedicated trunk connections to surrounding areas
- It’s being implemented alongside ICT-based SCADA systems for real-time monitoring
- The plant is future-proofed for scale, designed to increase from 10 MLD to 30 MLD as the city expands
This phase ensures critical infrastructure is ready before major occupancy begins.
Sewage Reuse – A Game Changer for Water Management
The most sustainable aspect of Dholera’s STP is its focus on recycling wastewater. The treated water is expected to be reused for:
- Irrigation in green belts
- Flushing systems in housing colonies
- Industrial cooling for upcoming zones
- Dust suppression in road networks
This not only reduces the pressure on fresh water sources but also lowers utility costs for residents and businesses.
Location Advantage: STP at the Heart of Activation Zone
The STP is strategically located in the 22.5 km² Activation Area, which is:
- Closest to upcoming residential clusters
- Adjacent to the Central Spine Road
- Linked to drainage and trunk lines
- Near the proposed Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) for industrial waste
This central location ensures efficient sewage collection, minimum pumping losses, and low operating costs.
Impact on Real Estate & Investment Potential
For investors, NRIs, and developers, the STP brings tangible benefits:
Infrastructure Readiness
Liveability improves with functional waste treatment—making the zone more attractive for early-stage investors.
Green Certification Support
Properties using treated water and built in compliance with IGBC norms can command green building premium prices.
Long-Term Cost Savings
Lower utility bills for water, efficient waste disposal, and increased land value over time.
Approvals, Authority, and Trust Signals
Approved by DSIRDA under the Gujarat government’s Dholera Master Plan
Follows guidelines from CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board)
Designed to meet IGBC Platinum-level sustainability benchmarks
SCADA monitored, ensuring digital oversight and transparency
Embedded within the Town Planning Scheme 2 (TP2) for seamless land integration
Expert Recommendations for Investors
As a real estate expert with over four decades of ground experience, I strongly advise:
- Verify STP alignment in any project you consider
- Ask developers about treated water usage in their facilities
- Check for effluent discharge compliance certificates
- Prefer plots/projects located within sewage-serviced zones
These small checks ensure you invest in growth zones, not future headaches.
Comparison: With vs Without STP Infrastructure
Parameter | With STP | Without STP |
Sewage Disposal | Safe, treated, and reusable | Risk of open discharge |
Water Reuse | Yes (for non-potable needs) | No |
Green Certification | Easier to obtain | Difficult |
Long-Term Costs | Lower utility and O&M costs | Higher tanker/water costs |
Liveability | High | Poor infrastructure perception |
RERA/Environment | Easy compliance | Risk of rejection or delay |
FAQs
It has a 10 MLD capacity, expandable to 30 MLD in future phases.
The plant is under development in Phase 1 and integrated with the Activation Area infrastructure.
Likely MBBR or SBR biological treatment, followed by tertiary disinfection for reuse-ready output.
Yes, it will be reused for green spaces, flushing, and industrial processes, reducing freshwater usage.
