A 120-hectare land has been earmarked in three villages — Bhainsoda, Lonapur and Bharwara — near Chinhat for the Rs 96-crore project. The UPJN has written to the district magistrate (DM) giving details of the project.

The UPJN officials said the local farmers had raised objections about setting up the treatment plant in their villages. “They were fearing that the plant might pollute air and groundwater of the area, which is not true,” a senior official said.

“Sewage of the city will reach the plant through a concrete, seepage-proof pipeline, so there is no possibility of groundwater contamination. We will develop a green belt around the plant to ensure there is no pollution. We will be acquiring enough land , so that the plant is away from the residential area,” he added.

Managing Director of UPJN K K Agarwal said the UPJN has sent a letter to the DM addressing the concerns of the farmers. “The land has been identified in the villages. We hope there will be no more hurdles. The Revenue Board will give a final clearance for the land acquisition.”