Hindu Editorial Analysis : 30-December-2024

India is facing a growing urban water crisis, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and climate change. A report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), in collaboration with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), titled Waste to Worth: Managing India’s Urban Water Crisis through Wastewater Reuse, explores the potential of treated wastewater as a valuable resource for irrigation, industry, and urban greening. This essay highlights the current status, challenges, benefits, and innovations surrounding wastewater reuse in India.

Current Status of Wastewater Treatment in India

India generates around 72,000 million litres of wastewater daily but only treats about 28% of it. The gap between wastewater generation and treatment is a major issue. Two significant challenges in wastewater management are:

  • Inadequate Treatment Capacity: A significant portion of wastewater remains untreated due to a shortage of treatment facilities.
  • Limited Use of Advanced Treatment Technology: There is a lack of adoption of advanced technologies for better treatment.
Challenges in Wastewater Management

Several factors complicate wastewater management in India:

  • Infrastructure Deficit: Many urban areas lack proper sewage systems and treatment plants, leading to untreated wastewater being released into the environment.
  • Regulatory and Policy Gaps: Although policies like the mandate for cities to recycle 20% of their water exist, enforcement is weak.
  • Public Perception: Many people are skeptical about using treated wastewater, fearing health risks.
Socio-Economic and Environmental Implications of Wastewater Reuse

Reusing treated wastewater offers both socio-economic and environmental benefits:

  • Socio-Economic Benefits:
    • Reduces dependence on freshwater, lowering costs for industries.
    • Promotes job creation, especially in water treatment and urban sectors.
    • Can help address water scarcity, especially in underserved communities.
  • Environmental Benefits:
    • Decreases the extraction of freshwater, helping preserve ecosystems.
    • Prevents water body contamination and improves environmental health.
    • Enhances resilience to climate change impacts like droughts.
Concerns About Wastewater Reuse

While wastewater reuse holds promise, there are concerns that need to be addressed:

  • Impact on Soil: Wastewater irrigation can lead to soil salinization, harming agricultural productivity.
  • Return Water from Farms: Reused wastewater may contain pollutants that can contaminate groundwater and surface water.
  • Health Risks: Even treated wastewater might contain pathogens, posing a risk to public health.
  • Bioaccumulation: Heavy metals in wastewater can accumulate in the environment, entering the food chain.
  • Weeds and Mosquitoes: Increased weeds and mosquito breeding due to wastewater storage can require more pesticides.
Technological Innovations in Wastewater Treatment

Technologies are evolving to improve wastewater treatment:

  • Advanced Technologies: Membrane bioreactors, advanced oxidation processes, and constructed wetlands are making wastewater treatment more effective.
  • Decentralized Treatment Systems: These systems are cost-effective and can be implemented at the community level.
  • Integration with Existing Programs: Programs like Jal Jeevan Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana are incorporating wastewater reuse to enhance water security.
Government Policies and Initiatives

India has several key initiatives aimed at promoting wastewater reuse:

  • Namami Gange Program: Focuses on the reuse of treated wastewater for the rejuvenation of the Ganga River.
  • Jal Jeevan Mission: Ensures safe drinking water and integrates wastewater reuse.
  • Atal Bhujal Yojana: Promotes groundwater recharge through treated wastewater.
  • AMRUT: Focuses on improving urban water management, including wastewater treatment.
Successful Examples of Wastewater Reuse

Several states in India have taken steps towards successful wastewater reuse:

  • Maharashtra: Requires industries in urban areas to use treated wastewater.
  • Gujarat: Aims for 100% reuse of wastewater in agriculture and industry.
Public Awareness and Community Engagement

Effective public communication and community engagement are crucial for the success of wastewater reuse initiatives:

  • Education: Public awareness campaigns can help overcome resistance to using treated wastewater.
  • Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in decision-making processes fosters responsibility for sustainable water management.
Why In News

Recently, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), in collaboration with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), presented a report titled ‘Waste to Worth: Managing India’s Urban Water Crisis through Wastewater Reuse’, which underscores the potential of treated wastewater as a valuable resource for irrigation, industry, and urban greening. The report highlights how wastewater reuse can play a critical role in alleviating India’s growing water scarcity, promoting sustainable water management, and supporting climate resilience.

MCQs about Addressing India’s Urban Water Crisis
  1. What is the primary focus of the report *‘Waste to Worth: Managing India’s Urban Water Crisis through Wastewater Reuse’*?
    A. Exploring the impact of urbanization on water resources
    B. Analyzing the potential of treated wastewater as a resource for irrigation, industry, and urban greening
    C. Discussing the challenges of water conservation in rural areas
    D. Evaluating the economic benefits of freshwater resources
  2. What is one of the main challenges in wastewater management in India?
    A. Overuse of freshwater in agriculture
    B. Insufficient sewage infrastructure and lack of wastewater treatment facilities
    C. High availability of advanced treatment technologies
    D. Excessive use of treated wastewater in urban areas
  3. Which of the following is a socio-economic benefit of reusing treated wastewater?
    A. Increased cost of freshwater
    B. Creation of employment opportunities in water treatment sectors
    C. Greater reliance on natural water bodies
    D. Reduction in industrial water consumption
  4. Which of these is a concern when using treated wastewater for irrigation?
    A. Decreased water availability for agriculture
    B. Increased risk of salinization and soil degradation
    C. Improved crop yields due to wastewater usage
    D. Lower levels of pesticides used in farming

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading