A mere 28% of India’s urban wastewater and sewage is treated, while the majority flows untreated into rivers, lakes, and land, according to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The report, titled Waste to Worth, was released on Monday and emphasizes the critical role of wastewater treatment in addressing India’s growing water crisis.
Harnessing the Potential of Treated Water
Rajiv Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), highlighted the underutilization of treated wastewater, stating, “Using and disposing of treated water without harnessing its potential means losing out on a valuable resource. The challenge is scaling up efforts to make a significant impact in this sector.”
CSE Director General Sunita Narain underlined the importance of wastewater reuse in tackling water scarcity. “Rapid urbanization, industrial growth, population expansion, and climate change have exacerbated India’s water challenges. Wastewater reuse can be a pivotal strategy for water circularity and sustainability,” she said.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has mandated that urban areas recycle and reuse at least 20% of their consumed water. Subrata Chakraborty, Senior Programme Manager of CSE’s water programme, called this move essential for promoting a circular economy, which is key to a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
The Waste to Worth report stresses that India’s urban water crisis could be significantly alleviated if all wastewater were treated and reused. By implementing robust wastewater management systems, the country could turn this challenge into an opportunity, ensuring sustainable freshwater management and reducing environmental pollution.
As India grapples with water scarcity, the push for wastewater treatment and reuse is not just a necessity but a transformative step toward a sustainable future. The report calls for stronger policies, effective implementation, and innovation to turn waste into a vital resource.
