India is classified as a “water-stressed” nation, with per capita freshwater availability below 1,700 cubic meters. A 73% decline in per capita surface water availability since 1950 has worsened the crisis, with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru facing severe water shortages. Without urgent intervention, India risks becoming “water scarce” (below 1,000 m³ per capita).
Key Insights from the Report:
- Wastewater as a Resource: India generates 72,368 MLD of sewage, but only 28% is treated, leaving 72% untreated and discharged into water bodies or land.
- Future Wastewater Growth: By 2050, wastewater generation is projected to reach 48 BCM annually—3.5 times the current treatment capacity.
- Policy & Action Gaps: The Ministry of Jal Shakti mandates 20% wastewater reuse, yet implementation remains inadequate. NITI Aayog’s Water Management Index shows that 16 states, representing 48% of the population, still perform poorly in water management.
- CSE Study Findings: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) analysed 35 case studies across 16 cities in 7 states to assess wastewater reuse policies and challenges. The study focuses on treated wastewater from centralized plants, identifying gaps in reuse adoption in agriculture, industry, and construction.
Way Forward:
- Scaling Up Treatment Capacity: India needs to significantly expand wastewater treatment and reuse infrastructure.
- Robust Wastewater Management Systems: Strengthening policy enforcement and investment in wastewater collection and reuse.
- Sector-Specific Solutions: Encouraging wastewater reuse in agriculture, industries, and construction.
- With climate change worsening water scarcity, wastewater reuse presents a viable solution to both enhance water security and reduce environmental pollution.
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