India, May 9 -- In a first, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has announced plans to set up its own sewage treatment plants (STPs) in its jurisdiction; a move expected to improve sanitation for lakhs of residents in the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR).

Anita Kulkarni, chief engineer, division 2, PMRDA, said, "Till now, PMRDA did not have its own system to treat sewage. This is now set to change. PMRDA has decided to improve sanitation facilities in the areas in its jurisdiction by setting up its own STPs.

"A project management consultant (PMC) will soon be appointed to study the population and areas under PMRDA. The consultant will suggest how many STPs are needed and where they should be built. At present, large...