Reuse of Treated Wastewater: A Solution to India’s Urban Water Crisis
India is experiencing an emerging urban water stress due to factors such as urbanisation, industrialisation, climate change and population increase. A recent study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals that India has one of the worst performances of wastewater management: only 28% of the urban wastewater is treated; the rest – untreated – is discharged into rivers, lakes, and land.
The report named “Waste to Worth” shows that wastewater treatment and reuse can be a solution to the water problems of India. Sunita Narain, Director General of CSE, stressed that wastewater reuse is a key to water circularity and sustainability. In essence, through the reuse of wastewater, India will not only have solved the problem of water shortage but also freed up much pressure that was being placed on freshwater sources.
Rajiv Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) said that treated water should be used optimally. To use and discharge the treated water without utilizing it is to waste an important resource. The problem is how to expand such efforts and guarantee the effectiveness of the outcomes, he said.
The Jal Shakti Ministry has set a policy that cities should ensure that they recycle and reuse water that is consumed in the cities to be not less than 20%. This is in line with the circular economy agenda of using resources to create a sustainable and climate change-resilient world. Subrata Chakraborty, Senior Programme Manager for CSE’s water programme, said that this approach can assist in dealing with the increasing demand for freshwater.
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India's urban areas produce vast amounts of wastewater every day. If treated and reused efficiently, this water can meet multiple demands, including industrial, agricultural, and non-potable urban needs. Technologies for wastewater treatment are already available, but the focus now must shift towards scaling up infrastructure, raising awareness, and incentivising the reuse of treated water.
Addressing India's urban water crisis requires a shift in perspective — viewing wastewater as a resource rather than a liability. By investing in wastewater treatment and reuse, India can mitigate water scarcity, reduce pollution, and build a sustainable future. The waste-to-worth approach offers a clear pathway towards achieving water security, circularity, and resilience in the face of increasing urbanisation and climate challenges.
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It's concerning that only 28% of urban wastewater is treated, with the rest being discharged untreated into rivers, lakes, and land.?
Investing in wastewater management infrastructure is critical for water security & a sustainable urban future.
#DigitalCyril @ #HappeningHyderabad 62K+ | Real Estate Growth Consultant | Digital Marketing | Lead Generation | Rainmaker | Online Branding | Influencer | Ex - HSBC & Bank Of Amerca
2 个月A sustainable future depends on investing in efficient water management. Wastewater reuse is vital.