Maharashtra: Wastewater to Economic Goldmine by 2030

Maharashtra has launched its Urban Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Policy in 2025, targeting the treatment of 9107 million liters of daily wastewater generation by 2030. This initiative is crucial for the state, where 42.5 percent of the area faces water stress. The policy moves beyond previous attempts by establishing a strong implementation framework and clear institutional responsibilities.

The policy mandates City Wastewater Reuse and Management Plans for all urban local bodies within six months, culminating in a State Wastewater Reuse Plan. A dedicated State Wastewater Monitoring Cell will track progress using a GIS-enabled system, ensuring coordinated efforts across various government departments.

Economically, the policy is vital for Maharashtra's growth, which is constrained by water scarcity. Reusing treated wastewater reduces the need for new freshwater infrastructure and ensures supply stability. Notably, the policy facilitates supplying treated wastewater to data centers for cooling, a significant water consumer, creating a new revenue stream for municipal corporations.

The Nagpur Model, a successful public-private partnership for treating and supplying wastewater to a power plant, exemplifies the policy's practical approach and replicability in other cities.