The recycling and reuse of wastewater are gaining momentum in India.
D P Singh
What is your overview on water infrastructure developments in India?
India has been actively addressing its water infrastructure needs to combat the ongoing water crisis to ensure access to safe drinking water for its population. In the recent years, India has invested billions of dollars to propose, research, and maintain water infrastructure projects. It is expected that 270 billion more will be invested in water infrastructure over the coming 15 years through programs such as the Indian National River Linking Program (INRLP). The Government of India is promoting several initiatives for river development and rejuvenation. Under the aegis of the National Mission for Clean Ganga, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has established sewage treatment infrastructure as one of the most important pillars for cleaning up the River Ganges. Towards building robust and future-ready wastewater treatment infrastructure, the government has sanctioned 402 projects so far, of which 224 are already complete and the rest are in various stages of progress. India has undertaken commendable initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission, to ensure widespread access to clean water. The Mission aims to provide tap water connections to every rural household by 2024. As a responsible entity, UMPESL is aligned with the initiatives and remains dedicated to contributing innovative and eco-friendly solutions to support the ongoing transformation in water infrastructure.
UMPESL’s Water Management Business caters to a complete water-related activity chain, handling the entire water treatment process from start to finish. The services are tailored to meet each project’s unique requirements.
How far are the government schemes supporting the development of water infrastructure in the country? What is required for water sustainability in the country?
One notable government initiative is the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act) which has been implemented to construct and improve water infrastructure for rivers and harbours. Additionally, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation in India has played a crucial role in implementing policies and programs to improve water infrastructure and sanitation facilities.
The challenges faced by the industry or gap in requirements are conservation and efficient water management are crucial areas that require attention. Promoting water conservation practices and implementing efficient techniques like rainwater harvesting, water recycling, and water-efficient technologies in agriculture and industries can reduce water wastage and optimize resource utilization. Upgrading water infrastructure by investing in modernizing supply systems, treatment plants, and addressing leakages is essential. Adopting an integrated approach to water resource management, including surface water and groundwater sources, is vital to balance demand and supply, especially in water-stressed regions. Creating public awareness through campaigns, educational programs, and community-led initiatives plays a significant role in promoting responsible water use and conservation practices.
UMPESL has been actively involved in water treatment, water harvesting and water management projects across the country. With a team of experienced engineers, UMPESL ensures the integration of engineering requirements and solutions in every project.
What is the major role and service of Voltas Water Business provided in India’s water infrastructure developments?
Voltas through its UMPESL business is committed to providing high-quality infrastructure solutions and services that are customized to meet the specific needs of its customers. The Water Management Business Division (WMBD) of UMPESL places equal importance on raw water and wastewater treatment. With sustainability and water conservation goals as one of the prime objectives and adopting suitable eco-friendly technologies, UMPESL follows the Conventional Filtration process for large plant capacities and Pressure Filtration for small plant capacities for raw water treatment. Depending on customer requirements and tender specifications, wastewater treatment involves SBR/MBBR technologies and UF-RO filtration techniques. UMPESL has in the recent past, successfully executed two STP projects in Patna under BUIDCO and is currently in the third year of its operations and maintenance. The projects are part of the Namami Gange initiative. Furthermore, Government initiatives in the water sector, including ‘Namami Gange’, ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’, ‘Swachh Bharat’ and ‘AMRUT’ are creating opportunities for UMPESL.
How is recycling and reuse of wastewater picking up in the country?
The recycling and reuse of wastewater are gaining momentum in India as the country grapples with high water stress and inadequate sewage treatment capacity. With major cities generating an estimated 38,354 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage but having a treatment capacity of only 11,786 MLD, the need for sustainable solutions in urban water management is evident. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data reveals that only 28% of the total urban sewage is treated, leading to the disposal of untreated wastewater into rivers, lakes, and aquifers, causing contamination and deteriorating water quality.
The National Framework on Reuse of Treated Wastewater and initiatives like the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) program further promote the monetization and reuse of treated wastewater for various purposes. Commercial as well as public industries are adopting water-saving practices as it also aligns with their sustainability goals. For instance, the Water Management Business Division (WMBD) of UMPESL places equal importance on raw water and wastewater treatment. With sustainability and water conservation goals as the prime objectives and adopting suitable eco-friendly technologies, UMPESL follows the Conventional Filtration process for large plant capacities and Pressure Filtration for small plant capacities for raw water treatment.
What is the way forward for water sustainability in the country? What are your future plans?
The way forward for water sustainability in the country requires a concerted effort involving comprehensive policy measures, technological innovations, and community engagement. Firstly, there is a critical need for stringent enforcement of existing water management policies and the implementation of new, adaptive strategies to address the growing water stress. Investing in advanced technologies for efficient water treatment, recycling, and reuse is crucial, both at an industrial and municipal level. Encouraging water conservation practices and promoting public awareness campaigns are essential for fostering a culture of responsible water usage. Additionally, sustainable agricultural practices, such as precision irrigation and crop selection based on local water availability, can significantly contribute to water sustainability. Collaborative efforts between government bodies, industries, and communities, along with the integration of traditional water conservation methods, will be pivotal in ensuring a resilient and sustainable water future for the country. Another promising avenue is to incentivize companies through subsidies for the establishment of water infrastructure. This could involve a public-private partnership (PPP) model, where the government collaborates with private entities to develop, maintain, and upgrade water facilities. By offering subsidies, the government can encourage businesses to invest in sustainable water technologies, promoting innovation and efficiency. Additionally, public-private collaborations can enhance the reach and effectiveness of water management initiatives, ensuring that the benefits of improved infrastructure are widely distributed. Such partnerships can pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable water future for the country, addressing both current challenges and preparing for future needs.
