Uttar Pradesh developing policy for treated wastewater reuse

The Uttar Pradesh government is working on a new policy for reusing treated wastewater. This policy is part of efforts under the State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCG). The first draft is now open for public comments. This announcement was made during a meeting on Friday with experts from the Centre for Science and Environment. Many urban areas in India are facing serious drinking water shortages each year. Reusing treated wastewater could help. It can be applied in agriculture, industry, and for recharging groundwater. This would reduce the demand for fresh water and lower pollution. Raj Shekhar, the project director of SMCG, emphasized the importance of this initiative. He said that Uttar Pradesh, being the largest state in India, needs to ensure water security for its population. The new policy aims to be practical, feasible, and effective. Shekhar pointed out that wastewater should not be seen as waste but as a valuable resource. Currently, the state has 144 sewage treatment plants in operation, with another 73 under construction. However, he stressed that building infrastructure is not enough. Active support and cooperation from all stakeholders are crucial for the successful reuse of treated wastewater.