India, April 21 -- Seven years after Bellandur Lake in Bengaluru made international headlines for frothing and catching fire due to unchecked dumping of untreated sewage and industrial effluents, the city has emerged as the second-best performer in sewage management in the country under a central government initiative. In March this year, the city was awarded Rs.103 crore under the Jal Hi Amrit initiative for its effective sewage treatment. Of the 30 sewage treatment plants (STPs) evaluated in Bengaluru, 23 received a 5-star rating, six a 4-star rating, and one a 3-star rating.

Surat, Gujarat's Diamond City, topped the national rankings and was awarded Rs.104.75 crore, with 19 out of 20 STPs rated 5 stars and one with 4 stars.

A 5-star ...