Surat Airport Disposed Millions of Litres of Untreated Waste for 16 Years

Surat : In a shocking revelation, Surat Airport has been discovered as the sole airport in India disposing of sewage, including human waste and wastewater, directly into soak pits and septic tanks. Reports spanning from 2007 to 2023 expose the extent of this environmental negligence, highlighting the potential damage caused to the environment and groundwater reservoirs in the region.

The saga takes a perplexing turn with the recent application filed by Surat Airport for a drainage network from the South-West Zone of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on July 27, 2023. Astonishingly, investigations confirm that the airport has yet to establish any drainage connection with the SMC, despite the application.

The lingering questions surround the airport’s actions, especially considering its existing operational Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Concerns arise whether the STP is non-functional or if the original soak pits have deteriorated after continuous usage since 2007, prompting the sudden need to connect with SMC’s drainage network.

Surat Municipal Corporation’s approval of the drainage connection, albeit accepting a deposit of Rs 40,000, raises eyebrows. Oddly, there’s been no comprehensive assessment by the SMC to ascertain the necessity of a drainage connection when the airport possesses its own STP.

“The Surat Airport’s handling of sewage disposal raises serious concerns about environmental stewardship. Immediate corrective action and transparent accountability are paramount to safeguard our natural resources” said an environment activist.

The situation calls for swift action and accountability, not just from Surat Airport but also from the local governing bodies to ensure a sustainable and ecologically sound future for Surat and its environs.

Moreover, during the environmental clearance process for the expanded terminal building, the airport administration admitted in its memorandum the absence of both an SMC drainage connection and an STP. This revelation sheds light on the airport’s historical oversight, causing delays in obtaining clearance for the terminal expansion.

While the airport actively promotes environmental conservation through social media, the reality on the ground starkly contrasts these messages. Thousands of liters of treated water supplied by the SMC have been squandered, raising questions about the airport’s true commitment to environmental sustainability.

The recent completion of a new sewage treatment plant as a precondition for the expanded building’s environmental clearance sparks inquiries about the airport’s renewed interest in an SMC drainage connection. Is the aged soak pit and septic tank now defunct, or are they still in use despite the new plant’s operation?

As the newly inaugurated terminal stands, complying with environmental norms, it becomes imperative for Surat Airport to submit a compliance report, ensuring adherence to specified terms. This proactive step can prevent future delays and hurdles in obtaining environmental clearances for future constructions.

“The airport’s environmental discrepancies demand immediate attention to safeguard the region’s ecological balance. The unanswered queries regarding the airport’s actions and its current sewage disposal methods underscore the need for transparent and accountable measures in preserving our environment” said an environment activist.