India urged to adopt policies for treated wastewater reuse to combat scarcity
India faces persistent water scarcity, making the adoption of treated wastewater reuse policies crucial. Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have set an example with contextualized policies that integrate reuse with urban planning, community participation, and digital monitoring. The National Framework on Safe Reuse of Treated Water (SRTW), 2022, signals that reuse is a national priority, mandating states to develop their own policies. Treated wastewater is framed as an economic opportunity, building climate resilience and reducing dependence on freshwater, but requires institutional coordination, economic rationality, quality standards, and public awareness to succeed.
Key Points
- Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have implemented contextualized policies for treated wastewater reuse.
- India's water future depends more on recycling existing water than discovering new freshwater reserves.
- The National Framework on Safe Reuse of Treated Water (SRTW), 2022, designates water reuse as a national priority.
- Successful reuse requires institutional coordination, economic incentives, quality standards, and public confidence.
- Treated wastewater is an economic opportunity that enhances climate resilience and supports urban growth without straining freshwater supplies.
Exam Facts
- Sonia Grover and Girija Bharat are water policy experts at Mu Gamma consultants.
- The National Framework on Safe Reuse of Treated Water (SRTW) was established in 2022.
- National missions like Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) are mentioned.
- The term 'Apna Jal' (our water) is used to promote public acceptance of treated water.
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