Which is the largest sewage treatment plant in India?

January 28, 2026by Netsol Water
Which-is-the-largest-sewage-treatment-plant-in-India.webp

Which is the largest sewage treatment plant in India?

We will explain which sewage treatment plant stands largest in India and why that matters for cities and rivers. Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant in New Delhi. The Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant is the largest in India. The Okhla plant links to the larger mission to clean the Yamuna and to improve public health and reuse water for safe purposes.

Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant

We will describe the key facts that show why Okhla ranks as the largest sewage treatment plant in India and in Asia.

The Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant treats 564 MLD of wastewater every day. This scale makes it the biggest single-stage plant in India and among the largest in Asia. The facility stands in Okhla in New Delhi, and it handles wastewater that comes from large parts of south, central, and old Delhi. The project forms a central piece of the Yamuna Action Plan III, which aims to reduce pollution in the river and to deliver better-treated water for safe reuse. Officials and project documents also report that the plant will benefit around four million residents in the service area and that it reached full operational status after the upgrade and expansion works. These numbers show why the plant carries national significance and why planners treated it as a priority under river cleaning efforts.

Construction and Scale

The Okhla expansion involved design, build, and operation contracts awarded after competitive bids. The work included replacing older units and building the new large-capacity trains so the plant could treat sewage to stringent effluent standards. The plan also included energy recovery and sludge management systems so the facility could reduce waste volume and produce Class A sludge suitable for safe use in agriculture after proper treatment. Project summaries from government releases and from contractor pages highlight the combined role of public agencies and private contractors in bringing such a large facility online. The combined effort underlines how technical expertise and strong project management must work together for projects of this magnitude.

Technology and Process Used at Okhla

Let us have a look at some technical aspects that keep the plant running and that ensure treated water meets strict discharge standards. The Okhla plant follows a staged treatment flow that starts with screening and grit removal, then moves to biological treatment followed by tertiary polishing and disinfection. The plant uses advanced biological reactors to reduce organic load, and it uses tertiary treatment modules to lower suspended solids and to meet BOD limits of around 10 mg per liter. For disinfection, the plant uses a UV-based system, which avoids chemical residues and provides reliable pathogen control. The facility also includes sludge sanitation units and systems to produce a safe end product for land use. Finally, the plant integrates energy recovery features that capture biogas produced in digestion and convert it to power for the plant. These technologies together turn raw sewage from a pollutant into treated water that meets reuse standards.

UV Disinfection and Sludge Handling

Let us have a look at some details of the UV disinfection system and of sludge handling, which are essential for safe reuse. UV disinfection works by exposing the treated water to ultraviolet light, which inactivates organisms without leaving chemicals behind. This method provides effective pathogen control while keeping the output suitable for reuse in non-potable applications and for maintaining river health. Sludge handling in the plant covers thickening, digestion, and sanitation. The plant aims to produce Class A sludge, which meets safe levels for organic use. Proper sludge management reduces disposal demand and creates a product that supports agriculture when used under proper guidelines. This part of the process closes the resource loop and reduces environmental harm.

Impact on Delhi and the Yamuna

Let us have a look at some ways the plant changes everyday life and urban sanitation. By treating hundreds of millions of liters each day, the Okhla plant reduces the volume of untreated sewage that enters the Yamuna. This reduction helps to lower biochemical oxygen demand and to cut the load of solids and pathogens that harm river ecology. The plant also creates treated water that agencies can release in controlled amounts to improve base flows in the river or to supply non-potable uses like industrial cooling and irrigation. For residents, the plant supports cleaner neighborhoods and fewer contamination risks around drains and open water channels. The project also strengthens the city sewer network and forces upgrades to connecting sewers, which together reduce leakages and encourage better collection of wastewater. These improvements form part of a larger program to revive the Yamuna and to improve public health outcomes for millions of people.

Social and Environmental Benefits

Let us have a look at some social and environmental benefits that follow from large-scale treatment. The plant supports improved river ecology by reducing direct discharges of untreated waste. This change helps fish and other aquatic life to recover in stretches where oxygen levels were too low. For people, the plant lowers exposure to pathogens that cause water-related illnesses, and it helps municipal authorities manage wastewater more effectively. The plant also creates jobs during construction and operation and opens new roles for engineers, technicians, and plant operators. Finally, the reuse of treated water reduces demand on freshwater sources, which helps cities to balance supply and demand as populations grow.

Role of Sewage Treatment Plant Manufacturer

Let us have a look at some reasons why the choice of a sewage treatment plant manufacturer affects outcomes. A manufacturer provides the design details, the process modules, and the equipment that together make treatment efficient and durable. The manufacturer also supplies key items such as reactors, screens, pumps, and control systems, and it supports commissioning and long-term maintenance. For very large projects, the manufacturer works with engineering firms and with the client to ensure the plant performs under local conditions and meets regulatory standards. A trusted manufacturer also offers custom solutions for sludge handling, energy recovery, and modular expansion as demand grows.

Netsol Water stands as one such company that offers end-to-end solutions in sewage and wastewater treatment. Netsol Water designs and supplies units for municipal and industrial projects, and it supports installation and after-sales service. If you plan new plants or upgrades, a reliable sewage treatment plant manufacturer like Netsol Water simplifies procurement and reduces risk because the company can match technology to the precise needs of the site.

Read some interesting information for the Effluent Treatment Plant Manufacturer in Delhi

Conclusion

The Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant holds the title of the largest capacity STP in India, and it plays a central role in cleaning the Yamuna and in serving millions of people in Delhi. Large projects need careful design, components, and reliable suppliers. If you plan a new project or an upgrade and if you seek a trusted sewage treatment plant manufacturer, consider contacting an experienced provider for a consultation. Netsol Water offers design, supply, and support for municipal and industrial systems and can help you with plant selection, site assessment, and long-term service. Reach out to discuss your needs and to request a consult on how to deliver safe treated water and sustainable sludge handling for your project.

Contact Netsol Water at:

Phone: +91-9650608473

Email: enquiry@netsolwater.com