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India's Water Crisis: Cities Tap Treated Sewage
15 Jun
Summary
- India faces a severe water scarcity crisis, with per capita availability projected to fall.
- Reusing treated wastewater offers a market of Rs 3 lakh crore and 100,000 jobs.
- Four key actions are needed to implement a circular water economy for better water management.
India is facing a critical water scarcity crisis, with annual per capita availability expected to drop below 1,200 m3 by 2050. High temperatures exacerbate this issue, increasing evaporation and demand. A promising solution lies in the reuse of treated domestic sewage for non-potable purposes.
This approach can unlock a market estimated at over Rs 3 lakh crore and generate 100,000 jobs by 2047, fostering a circular water economy. Cities like Thane can address their daily water deficits by scaling up treated water reuse.
Successful implementation hinges on four key actions. First, policies must be complemented by city-specific reuse plans detailing targets, water quality needs, and financial mechanisms. Second, private financing is crucial to upgrade inadequate sewage treatment capacity, which currently treats less than a third of urban wastewater.
Third, improving the functionality of sewage treatment plants is vital. Many plants fail to meet effluent standards due to poor maintenance and industrial pollutants. Leveraging technology and AI can help monitor compliance, with incentives for industries adopting zero-liquid discharge policies.
Finally, a national circular water mission is proposed to shift from a linear to a restorative model. This involves technological, institutional, and behavioral reforms, including decentralized treatment plants and innovative financial instruments to incentivize reuse and price freshwater efficiently.
