Wastewater recycling and reuse is improving rapidly in the country.

Dr. Harish Sharma

Executive Director, Rudrabhishek Enterprises (REPL)

How do you view the water infrastructure developments in India?

Water infrastructure in the country is seeing revolutionary changes. Whether it's piped drinking water, irrigation water, or rainwater harvesting, infrastructure today is stronger than ever and getting better.

How is Jal Jeevan Mission leading the water pipeline infrastructure across  the country?

Piped drinking water is one of the basic necessities for any household either in rural or urban areas. Jal Jeevan Mission is ensuring the functionality of existing water infrastructure and laying of new ones. It is also focusing on recycling and reusing the wastewater. The mission has increased the household water supply from 17 per cent to more than 41 per cent in less than three years of its inception. AMRUT 2.0 was launched in October 2021 to increase coverage of sewerage and septage management, make cities water-secure and ensure that no dirty water falls into the rivers from drains.

What kind of opportunities do you visualise for contractors in India from Jal Jeevan Mission and similar programs?

Opportunities for contractors lie in areas like survey and planning, rehabilitation of old water supply infrastructure, upgrading the existing infrastructure, and laying the new infrastructure. Maintenance of the water supply structures and pipelines also presents opportunities for contractors.

What are the major challenges in the current water distribution systems? What are the steps needed for a better system in place?

The major challenge lies in the efficiency of the distribution system. Due to inefficient designs and poor maintenance, millions of litres of water are wasted every year. Proper planning, good quality material, and regular maintenance are needed to have an efficient water supply.

How is recycling of wastewater and its reuse evolving in the country?

Wastewater recycling is not a new thing. The country has developed wastewater infrastructure since long. However, due to inefficient design, energy supply issues, lack of maintenance, and shortage of skilled workforce, wastewater recycling and reuse could never really take off in the country. However, with a renewed focus from the government, wastewater recycling and reuse is improving rapidly in the country. Water recycling and reuse are important parts of the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission.

How important is water sustainability in the country in the coming years? What kind of projects will help in sustainable use of water?

Water sustainability is important for India in every aspect. Whether we have to achieve the sustainable development goals, raise the living standards of the people, keep developing infrastructure or continue with the economic growth, water is going to play a key role. India has large population, uneven distribution of water resources, and 80 percent of the rainfall in a short duration of the year. These reasons cause severe water crises in the country. Since most of these reasons cannot be altered, sustainable use of water is the key to address the water crisis. Jal Jeevan Mission is one of the key projects for sustainable use of water. Wastewater recycling, rainwater harvesting, and the development of blue and green infrastructure are other important projects that can help promote sustainable use of water.

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