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India’s Urban Wastewater Crisis and Solutions

India faces challenges regarding urban wastewater management, with only 28% of urban wastewater being treated, leaving a staggering 72% untreated. This untreated wastewater poses serious environmental risks by polluting rivers, lakes, and soil. However, it also presents an opportunity to address the ongoing water crisis in the country. Current Situation The rapid urbanization and industrial growth in India exacerbate water scarcity and climate change further complicates the situation. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) released a report denoting the potential of treated wastewater as a resource. The report advocates for its use in irrigation, industry, and urban greening to enhance water security. Government Initiatives The Ministry of Jal Shakti mandates that cities recycle at least 20% of their water. Despite this requirement, the necessary treatment infrastructure and implementation strategies are lacking. Some cities, like Nagpur and Bengaluru, have progressed in utilizing treated wastewater for various purposes, including agriculture and groundwater recharge.India cultural tours Regional Policies States such as Maharashtra and Gujarat have implemented policies to promote wastewater reuse in agriculture and industry. These initiatives are essential for sustainable water management. However, several challenges remain, including infrastructure gaps, public resistance, and high costs associated with wastewater treatment. Proposed Solutions The report suggests adopting decentralised and cost-effective technologies for wastewater treatment, emphasises the need to align policies with urban and industrial requirements. Public-private partnerships can also play important role in overcoming existing barriers. Integration into National Programs Integrating wastewater reuse into national water programmes, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana, is essential. This integration can help establish a climate-resilient water management system. The report analyses 35 case studies across 16 cities, illustrating the potential of treated wastewater as a valuable resource. By prioritising wastewater reuse, India can encourage a circular economy that promotes sustainable and equitable water management for all.

Govt plans to make agri residue burning punishable under solid waste management rules

The government plans to make open burning of agricultural waste punishable with a heavy fine and empower sanitation workers to impose fines on individuals and establishments for unsegregated waste. PlayUnmute Fullscreen It is also focusing on improving waste management practices in rural areas, creating a robust monitoring system, and addressing legacy waste. According to the draft Solid Waste Management Rules 2024 issued on December 9, the local body will be required to ensure there are no instances of "burning of agriculture and horticulture waste and levy heavy penalty on persons involved". Objections and suggestions from stakeholders have been invited. The rules will come into force on October 1 next year. The Centre last month doubled the fine for farmers burning crop residue in view of poor air quality in the Delhi-NCR region in winter months. Farmers with less than two acres of land now have to pay environmental compensation of Rs 5,000, up from Rs 2,500. And those with land between two and five acres are fined Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 5,000. Unfavourable meteorological conditions combined with vehicular emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers, and other local pollution sources contribute to hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR during late autumn and winters. Major factors behind stubble burning include the paddy-wheat cropping system, cultivation of long-duration paddy varieties, mechanised harvesting that leaves standing crop stubble in the field, labour scarcity, and the lack of a viable market for crop residue. Studies estimate that during peak burning periods, farm fires contribute up to 30 per cent of PM (particulate matters) levels in the Delhi-NCR region and surrounding areas. The government seeks to "empower safai karamcharis to levy fines/penalty on unsegregated waste and to refuse collection". The draft rules require waste to be segregated into four distinct categories: wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste (such as diapers and sanitary napkins), and special care waste (including hazardous materials). In contrast, the 2016 rules only required segregation into three streams -- biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and hazardous. According to the draft rules, local bodies will be required to implement digital tracking systems and geo-tag waste management facilities. They will be responsible for developing and maintaining online portals for reporting waste management data. The department responsible for municipal administration will be required to ensure the registration of waste pickers working with the local authority or authorized third-party/concessionaire agency, including self-help groups, and upload information on the centralized online portal by June 30 every year. The 2024 rules also emphasise extended producer responsibility (EPR). Producers of products such as packaging materials are now required to take responsibility for the collection and recycling of their products at the end of their life cycle. This responsibility encourages a circular economy, where products are reused, recycled, and repurposed, reducing the overall amount of waste generated. Another key change is the focus on bulk waste generators (BWGs). These are large institutions and commercial establishments that generate significant amounts of waste, according to Kaifee Jawed, a deputy programme manager in the Centre for Science and Environment's Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy Unit. The 2024 rules require BWGs to segregate their waste at the source, handle biodegradable waste through composting or bio-methanation on-site, and ensure recyclables are handed over to authorized waste pickers or recyclers. BWGs must also keep records of their waste management activities, and the new rules provide a clear framework for handling large-scale waste generation. The management of legacy waste is also addressed more comprehensively in the 2024 draft. Legacy waste refers to waste that has already been dumped in landfills or open spaces. Local authorities are required to map and assess these legacy waste sites and create plans for remediation using methods like bioremediation and biomining. A deadline of March 2026 and October 2026 has been set for the completion of this work in urban and rural areas, respectively, to ensure that old waste dumps are cleaned up and their harmful environmental impact is reduced. The rules encourage local bodies and industries to implement waste-to-energy projects, which help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills while generating renewable energy. The rules provide guidelines to ensure that waste-to-energy plants meet environmental standards and contribute to the circular economy by transforming waste into a resource.

Construction sites flout rules as city’s pollution index slides down with advancing winter

Most under-construction buildings, structures being demolished and materials heaped at construction sites remain uncovered, allowing the dust to spread in the neighbourhood, at a time when the city’s pollution index is sliding down with the advancing winter. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), which is supposed to crack down on construction sites that do not take measures against air pollution, has only passed orders asking builders to cover the sites. The ground reality is different, residents across the city said. A drive through parts of the city on December 5 revealed multiple construction sites where work was underway without any cover around the buildings. Two buildings along Lenin Sarani were being demolished without any cover around the site. A payloader was working in one of the sites. Its movement and sifting of the waste kept spreading dust. An under-construction building in Brindaban Mullick Lane, opposite Hrishikesh Park in north Calcutta, had no covers around the structure. A heap of sand was lying along the boundary of Hrishikesh Park. Cars driving past the road raised a cloud of dust. A Jadavpur resident said she had seen several under-construction buildings in her neighbourhood, none of which had any cover around the buildings to prevent dust from spreading. “Under-construction buildings are supposed to be covered with geotextile fabric that can absorb dust. Besides, they should also sprinkle water over the sand so that the dust does not rise in the air. Activities like rubbing the walls before painting generate a lot of dust,” said a scientist with the state pollution control board. Anumita Roy Chowdhury, an air quality management expert, said the dust generated from construction sites added to the volume of PM2.5 and PM10, which are particulate matters less than 2.5 microns and 10 microns in size. PM2.5 can breach the blood barriers and hit any organ. “The dust emanating from construction sites is also highly toxic depending on the nature of the activity generating the dust,” said Roy Chowdhury, the executive director of the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). A KMC official said all builders have to give a general undertaking to adopt measures to control dust when a building permit is issued. “We can issue stop-work notices if they do not comply with the orders,” said the civic official. According to the National Air Quality Index, Calcutta’s air quality has dropped to “poor” and “moderate” on many days since mid-November. Guidelines on dust mitigation measures issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) mention that “sites of demolition activities to be cordoned off and adequate measures to reduce dispersal of dust beyond site limits” are required. The KMC, too, has issued similar orders asking builders to ensure that construction and demolition sites did not spread dust. The CPCB’s guidelines mention that the dust generated includes “a wide range of particle sizes and material types that can cause serious health problems ranging from eye irritation, nose, mouth to affecting the respiratory system.” While the heavier and larger particles settle down, the “finer particles (usually invisible) are transported further” and can cause health hazards in areas far from the sites.

Real time checks must

Air pollution in the country has emerged as a public health catastrophe, costing India over a million lives and 1.6 to 1.8 per cent of GDP annually. Research from various organisations, including the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) outlined vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, crop burning and construction dust as the major contributors to such pollution. With the onset of winter, the problem becomes severe despite the country having adopted ‘clean air’ programmes. India has a target of 40 per cent reduction of PM2.5 levels by 2026, but scientists believe this is unlikely to be achieved. According to IQ Air data, 42 of the top 50 most polluted cities were in India. This is because there is no seriousness in tackling the problem. Of course, the government takes the biggest share of the blame, and quite justifiably so, but it is by no means the only stakeholder that is complicit. India’s transportation sector accounts for 2.9 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, demanding a structured policy to bring this down. And while EV (electric vehicles) sales surged 42 per cent in 2024, there is need to give a boost, specially in cities with more incentives for public transport. As regards industry, which contributes 30-35 per cent of India’s CO2 emissions, leniency by the states due to unholy nexus with the political leaders needs to be effectively tackled. Those violating environmental rules and regulations need to be hauled up. As regards power plants, research by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) showed that 96 per cent of particulate pollution from coal plants is secondary, arising from chemical transformation of emitted gases such as sulphur dioxide. Despite the Environment Ministry introducing emission standards, the Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) system has been quite slow. As of this August, only 39 units across the country installed the system whereas work is yet to be completed in 220-odd units. Most thermal power plants unfortunately got leniency, polluting neighbouring air. Experts estimated that FGD can reduce the concentration of SO2 by 55 per cent within a 80 km radius and sulphate aerosols by 30 per cent up to 100 km. However, FGD involved significant costs i.e. Rs 1 to Rs 2 crore per megawatt in addition to Rs 0.5-0.6 per unit to its generation. Besides, Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and the second-largest contributor to climate warming after CO2. Another major source of pollution is agriculture. Such as livestock, where ruminants produce methane in the course of digesting food and the other area is paddy rice. The next source is waste and landfills, where organic matter like food waste, plant debris etc. into landfills results in a lot of methane production. In the global scenario, the most significant is the Global Methane Pledge (GMP), put forth by the European Union and the US and 159 countries have signed this Pledge. Among metros, the national capital, Delhi, has been grappling with severe air pollution. Experts indicated that the situation is like what Beijing had faced around 2013. That very year in March, the then Chinese premier pledged to fight pollution and accordingly by 2023, pollution levels were drastically brought down. It is worth mentioning that both capitals sit on basins close to mountain ranges, which prevent easy dispersal of pollutants. As a result, winter conditions such as calm winds, temperature inversion, humidity and lack of rain cause massive spikes in pollution. India launched the National Clean Air Policy (NCAP) rather late in 2019, with a modest target of reducing particulate matter by 20-30 per cent over 2017 levels in five years across 121 cities. The NCAP target has since been revised to a 40 per cent reduction by 2026, but experts believe it is rather optimistic and unlikely to be reached. As regards other cities, Indore in Madhya Pradesh is said to be the cleanest city with better air quality in the country, though it reported a 21 per cent rise in the level of particulate matter, PM10 in 2023-24 compared to 2017-18. The city joined 30 others including Navi Mumbai, Vizag, Guwahati, Chandigarh and many others that reported increase in PM10. On the air quality front, Vizag reported 58 per cent increase (second worst in the list of 31) in the level of PM10 in FY2023-24 compared to FY 2017-18. However, big metros like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai have shown some improvement but still are not good enough to meet the annual average acceptable limit. Over the years, clean technologies have been introduced at a cost of thousands of crores with refinery upgrades alone costing Rs 35,000 crore. One key improvement in BS-VI compliant fuel, with its negligible sulphur content. BS III norms mandated sulphur limits of 150 parts per million (ppm) for petrol and 350 ppm for diesel while BS IV reduced both by 50 ppm and 10 ppm. However, this relates mainly to the transportation sector whereas not much has changed in strictly enforcing environmental regulations. Meanwhile, there has been global pressure on India to phase out coal in stages and this needs consideration. In the agriculture sector, stubble burning must be curbed and perhaps technology from countries such as Argentina and Brazil could be inducted. At the same time, government can’t have too many expectations on global funding and will need to generate resources to tackle air pollution—perhaps tap private sector to play its CSR role. Innovative financing models like green bonds may be garnered to support public transport, urban greening etc. It is heartening to note that the World Bank has committed $1.5 billion for the Indo-Gangetic plain states for better air management. Forestry is another area that needs to be encouraged but the government is not quite serious on it. Finally, it goes without saying the clean air, apart from being a crucial environmental issue has to be viewed as an economic asset for social well-being. The challenge of tackling air quality is undoubtedly daunting. Environmental rules need to be strictly enforced. Leniency shown to air polluting industries needs to be done away with. Changes need to be brought into transportation sector, not just in big cities but across country. The government must meet targets, or at least make genuine effort. Passing the buck will only cause more harm. — INFA

Reuse of Treated Wastewater Can Help Ease Growing Urban Water Crisis: CSE Report

Patna: The ongoing global warming has been affecting water resources in India like elsewhere, but the country can reuse treated wastewater for climate resilience. According to a latest report of New Delhi-based think tank, Centre for Science and Environment(CSE), reusing treated wastewater can help ease India’s growing urban water crisis. The report titled, Waste to Worth: Managing India’s Urban Water Crisis Through Wastewater Reuse, highlighted that India treats only 28% of the wastewater it generates; 72% remains untreated – once treated, all this wastewater can be reused. "Of the total urban wastewater and sewage generated in India, a mere 28 per cent (20,236 million litre per day or MLD) undergoes treatment, leaving a substantial 72 per cent untreated and allowed to flow into rivers, lakes and land. All this treated water – and the remaining untreated amount if treated – holds an opportunity within itself: the opportunity to ease India’s urban water crisis", says the report. Sunita Narain, director general, CSE, said: “India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion – and most importantly -- climate change. Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability.” “In fact, there is an opportunity for turning wastewater into water again, and this is what our report’s title – Waste to Worth -- is referring to,” Narain added, in a release. Rajiv Kumar Mital, director general, National Mission for Clean Ganga, was quoted as saying that “using and disposing treated water, without harnessing its potential, means we are losing out on utilising an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful.” Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE, said the Jal Shakti Ministry had mandated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20% of the water they consume. “This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future, and for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater,” she added. The CSE report further said that the gap in total sewage water generated and its treatment was the highest in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Haryana. The report also highlighted good examples -- cases of states that have introduced policies to encourage treated wastewater reuse. Maharashtra, for instance, mandates industries in urban areas to use treated wastewater. Gujarat targets 100% reuse with applications in agriculture and industry, and Tamil Nadu promotes reuse for industrial and urban greening projects. At the national level, the National Urban Sanitation Policy and the Namami Gange Programme emphasise wastewater management and reuse as key components of water security initiatives, the report added. Cities like Nagpur, Bengaluru and Chennai have taken the lead in implementing wastewater reuse practices. Nagpur supplies treated wastewater to power plants, significantly reducing freshwater usage, while Bengaluru utilises it for agriculture, lake revival and groundwater recharge. Chennai has adopted treated wastewater for industrial applications, urban landscaping and groundwater recharge. Sumita Singhal, programme manager, water, CSE, said: “Upscaling wastewater reuse faces challenges, including infrastructure gaps in sewage treatment and distribution, quality assurance to meet reuse standards, public resistance due to cultural beliefs, and the high operational costs of treatment facilities.” She added, “The data implies that 28 per cent (20,236 MLD) treated water is immediately available for reuse. Aligning policies with urban planning and industrial needs can enhance adoption, while advancements in decentralised and cost-effective treatment technologies can address infrastructure deficits.” The CSE report points out that public-private partnerships can help mobilise investments for scaling up reuse projects, and capacity-building initiatives can improve awareness and acceptance among urban managers and communities.

72% Of Urban Wastewater, Sewage Flows Into Rivers, Lakes Untreated: Think Tank

Only 28% of the urban wastewater and sewage generated in India goes through treatment, leaving the rest to flow directly into rivers, lakes and land, think tank Centre for Science and Environment flagged in its latest report. The report, released on Monday, stated that India's urban water crisis would be resolved if all that wastewater was treated and reused. "Using and disposing of treated wate CSE Director General Sunita Narain pointed out that India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to a number of factors, including rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion and most importantly, climate change. "Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability.In fact, there is an opportunity f "This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future and for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater," Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE, said.

72% of Urban Wastewater in India Flows into Water Bodies: Report

A meagre 28 per cent of the urban wastewater and sewage generated in India undergoes treatment while the rest flows directly into rivers, lakes and land, according to a report by the think tank Centre for Science and Environment. India's urban water crisis could ease if all the wastewater is treated and reused, the report released here on Monday said. Rajiv Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), said, "Using and disposing of treated water without harnessing its potential means we are losing out on utilising an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful." Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Director General Sunita Narain said India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion and, most importantly, climate change. "Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability." "In fact, there is an opportunity for turning wastewater into water again and this is what our report's title -- Waste to Worth -- is referring to," Narain added. The Jal Shakti Ministry has mandated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20 per cent of the water they consume. Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE, said, "This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future and for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater."

भारत में शहरी अपशिष्ट जल का 72 प्रतिशत बिना शोधन बहाया जा रहा : रिपोर्ट

भारत में उत्पन्न शहरी अपशिष्ट जल और सीवेज का मात्र 28 प्रतिशत पानी ही शोधित किया जाता है, जबकि शेष जल सीधे नदियों, झीलों और भूमि में प्रवाहित हो जाता है। यह जानकारी थिंकटैंक ‘सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट’ की एक रिपोर्ट से मिली है। सोमवार को यहां जारी रिपोर्ट में कहा गया है कि यदि सभी अपशिष्ट जल को उपचारित कर पुनः उपयोग में लाया जाए तो भारत का शहरी जल संकट कम हो सकता है। राष्ट्रीय स्वच्छ गंगा मिशन (एनएमसीजी) के महानिदेशक राजीव कुमार मित्तल ने कहा, “शोधित जल की क्षमता का दोहन किए बिना उसका उपयोग और निपटान करने का मतलब है कि हम एक महत्वपूर्ण संसाधन का उपयोग करने से चूक रहे हैं। चुनौती यह है कि हम इस क्षेत्र में जो काम कर रहे हैं, उसका दायरा बढ़ाएं और सुनिश्चित करें कि उसका प्रभाव हो।” सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड इनवायरमेंट (सीएसई) की महानिदेशक सुनीता नारायण ने कहा कि भारत तेजी से हो रहे शहरीकरण, औद्योगिक विकास, जनसंख्या विस्तार और सबसे महत्वपूर्ण जलवायु परिवर्तन के कारण जल संकट की गंभीर चुनौतियों का सामना कर रहा है। उन्होंने कहा, “अपशिष्ट जल का पुनः उपयोग इन चिंताओं को दूर करने तथा जल चक्रीयता और स्थिरता को बढ़ावा देने की रणनीति का एक महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा हो सकता है।” नारायण ने कहा, “वास्तव में, अपशिष्ट जल को पुनः उपयोग लायक बनाने का एक अवसर है और हमारी रिपोर्ट का शीर्षक – ‘वेस्ट टू वर्थ’- इसी का उल्लेख करती है।” जल शक्ति मंत्रालय ने आदेश दिया है कि शहर अपने अपशिष्ट जल का कम से कम 20 प्रतिशत पुनः उपयोग करें।

ब्लॉक हो गया है आसमान, प्रदूषण निकलने का रास्ता बंद? दिल्ली के ऊपर चिमनी जैसी स्थिति...

अक्टूबर से फरवरी तक दिल्ली के फेफड़ों में जहरीली हवा ही जाती है. कभी कम तो कभी ज्यादा. लेकिन 14 दिसंबर से 17 दिसंबर के बीच ऐसा क्या हो गया कि हालात इत... दिल्ली के प्रदूषण की असली वजह क्या है?  सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट की स्टडी के मुताबिक इस साल अक्टूबर से नवंबर तक दिल्ली में वायु प्रदूषण की असली..

Only 28 per cent of urban wastewater undergoes treatment in India: CSE report

Just 28 per cent of about 20,236 million liters per day urban wastewater generated in India undergoes treatment, leaving the remaining i.e. 72 per cent untreated and flowing into rivers, lakes, and land, a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has revealed. The largest gap in wastewater treatment is seen in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Haryana. The untreated water not only causes environmental damage but also presents an opportunity to tackle India’s growing urban water crisis due to rapid urbanization, industrial growth, population expansion, and climate change, says the report ‘Waste to Worth: Managing India’s urban water crisis through wastewater reuse.’ It was released recently at a national workshop organized jointly by CSE and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti. Speaking on the occasion, Sunita Narain, director general, CSE said: “India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion – and most importantly -- climate change. Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability.” Rajiv Kumar Mital, director general, NMCG echoed similar views and said that “Using and disposing treated water, without harnessing its potential, means we are losing out on utilising an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful.” The Jal Shakti Ministry has mandated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20 per cent of the water they consume. The report also highlights good examples -- cases of states that have introduced policies to encourage treated wastewater reuse.” Maharashtra, for instance, mandates industries in urban areas to use treated wastewater. Gujarat targets 100 per cent reuse with applications in agriculture and industry, and Tamil Nadu promotes reuse for industrial and urban greening projects. At the national level, the National Urban Sanitation Policy (NUSP) and the Namami Gange Programme emphasise wastewater management and reuse as key components of water security initiatives. Cities like Nagpur, Benguluru and Chennai have taken the lead in implementing wastewater reuse practices. Nagpur supplies treated wastewater to power plants, significantly reducing freshwater usage, while Benguluru utilises it for agriculture, lake revival and groundwater recharge. Chennai has adopted treated wastewater for industrial applications, urban landscaping and groundwater recharge. While advancements in decentralised and cost-effective treatment technologies can address infrastructure deficits, the report also calls for public-private partnerships that can help mobilise investments for scaling up reuse projects, and capacity-building initiatives to improve awareness and acceptance among urban managers and communities.

Untreated urban wastewater worsens India’s water crisis: CSE report

A mere 28 per cent of urban wastewater and sewage generated in India undergoes treatment, while the remainder is discharged untreated into rivers, lakes, and land, according to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The report, released on Monday, highlights the significant challenges India faces in managing its urban water resources. The report suggests that India’s urban water crisis could be alleviated if all wastewater were treated and reused effectively. Rajiv Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), emphasised the importance of harnessing the potential of treated water. "Using and disposing of treated water without harnessing its potential means we are losing out on utilising an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful," he said. CSE Director General Sunita Narain attributed India’s water scarcity to rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion, and the effects of climate change. She highlighted the potential of wastewater reuse as a solution. "Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability. In fact, there is an opportunity for turning wastewater into water again, and this is what our report's title — Waste to Worth — is referring to," Narain stated. The Jal Shakti Ministry has mandated that cities recycle and reuse at least 20 per cent of their consumed water. Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager of the CSE water programme, called this mandate an essential step toward a sustainable and climate-resilient future. "This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater," Chakraborty explained.

Grap 4 back in Delhi; schools set to go ‘hybrid’

Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) tipped into the “severe” zone on Monday evening for the first time in 23 days, snapping a period of relatively reprieve for the city and prompting central panel to reimpose a host of curbs on construction and vehicles in NCR as part of stages 3 and 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap). The Capital recorded a 24-hour average AQI of 379 at 4pm on Monday, with the number rising to 401 at 10pm, as pollution levels spiked dramatically in two days. Delhi clocked an AQI of 294 (poor) at 4pm on Sunday and 193 (moderate) at the same time on Saturday. This deterioration was largely due to a significant drop in wind speeds that allowed local pollutants to concentrate, said weather experts. While initially, Stage 3 was announced during the day, a steady increase in AQI prompted CAQM to hold an emergency meeting late in the evening, and invoking Stage 4 with immediate effect across NCR. Grap Stage 3 brings with it a ban on BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar, blanket curbs on private construction and demolitions, along with restrictions on the use of stone crushers, mining and associated activities. It also restricts Delhi-registered Diesel operated medium goods vehicles (MGVs) to BS-4 standards or below, in Delhi, along with BS-4 and lower diesel operated light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi from plying in Delhi. The only exception being vehicles carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. Further, as part of stages 3 and 4 of GRAP, all construction in NCR — both private and public projects are now halted. Other vehicular restrictions under Stage 4 include stopping entry of trucks into Delhi (except CNG, LNG, electric, BS-4 diesel or those involved in essential or emergency services) and a ban plying of BS-4 and lower heavy vehicles, unless they are involved in essential or emergency services. Further all classes in schools barring classes 10 and 12 in Delhi and its neighbouring districts will also have to shift to “hybrid” lessons, said the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in a notification issued on Monday. As part of Stage-3, an order was issued by the Delhi’s Directorate of Education (DoE) on Monday which moved primary classes to hybrid, however, an order for senior classes was yet to be shared till the time of filing this copy. Monday’s 4pm reading was Delhi’s highest AQI since 412 (“severe”) on November 23. Before Monday, Delhi recorded only one “very poor” air day this month – on December 8, when the AQI was 302. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies an AQI between 0-50 as “good”, between 51 and 100 as “satisfactory”, between 101 and 200 as “moderate”, between 201 and 300 as “poor”, between 301 and 400 as “very poor”, and over 400 as “severe”. “Strong surface northwesterly winds prevailed in Delhi-NCR till December 15. However, wind speeds dropped in the last 24 hours due to an approaching western disturbance. Winds, which were between 10-15 km/hr till Sunday, are now averaging less than 5km/hr. They are also becoming calm at night-time, further trapping local pollutants,” said Mahesh Palawat, vice-president at Skymet. Palawat said the winds may remain slow on Tuesday, before gathering speed from Wednesday. “We may see an improvement in AQI from Wednesday,” he said. Potent surface winds this year gave the Capital its cleanest first half of December ever since the AQI was launched in 2015. The average AQI from December 1 to 15 this year was 238, considerably better than the previous low of 301 in 2022. Delhi’s AQI typically nosedives in the second half of December when conditions once again become adverse, due to dipping temperatures and the return of dense fog. Data from last December showed the average AQI was 348, with three “severe” air days recorded — all in the second half of the month. The lowest AQI recorded last year’s December was 286, while the highest was 450 which came on December 23. Stage 3 and 4 measures under Grap have been implemented in Delhi after 11days. Stage 3 came into force on November 15, followed by Stage 4 measures on November 18. These were lifted on December 5, after a go-ahead from the Supreme Court. However, the apex court at the time said that Stage 3 should be imposed when the AQI crosses 350, instead of the original threshold of 400. It similarly asked for Stage 4 to be imposed at 400, instead of 450. “IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) noted that the average AQI of Delhi has crossed the 350 mark and is showing an increasing trend owing to extremely calm wind conditions and buildup of an inversion layer also adversely affecting the vertical mixing height. Forecasts also indicate a likelihood of the average AQI of Delhi to fluctuate between the higher end of ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Severe’ category in the coming days owing to continued adverse meteorological conditions,” said CAQM in a statement, asking the NCR state pollution control boards to strictly implement stage-3 measures, in addition to the existing stage-1 and stage-2 measures in the region. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said the respite was primarily down to improved meteorological conditions such as strong winds and better ventilation. “The cold is once again returning, along with moisture, which is again trapping pollutants locally,” she said.

72% of Urban Wastewater in India Flows into Water Bodies, Land Untreated: Report

social 72% of Urban Wastewater in India Flows into Water Bodies, Land Untreated: Report A meagre 28 per cent of the urban wastewater and sewage generated in India undergoes treatment while the rest flows directly into rivers, lakes and land, according to a report by the think tank Centre for Science and Environment. India's urban water crisis could ease if all the wastewater is treated and reused, the report released here on Monday said. Rajiv Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), said, "Using and disposing of treated water without harnessing its potential means we are losing out on utilising an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful." Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Director General Sunita Narain said India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, population expansion and, most importantly, climate change. "Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability." "In fact, there is an opportunity for turning wastewater into water again and this is what our report's title -- Waste to Worth -- is referring to," Narain added. The Jal Shakti Ministry has mandated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20 per cent of the water they consume. Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE, said, "This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future and for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater."

CSE Report Warns Untreated Urban Wastewater Worsening India’s Water Crisis

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has highlighted India’s severe urban water crisis, revealing that only 28% of the country’s urban wastewater and sewage is treated. The remaining untreated water is discharged into rivers, lakes, and land, worsening the overall water scarcity. The CSE report, released on Monday, calls for effective wastewater treatment and reuse as key solutions to India’s growing water challenges. Treating and reusing all urban wastewater could significantly alleviate the crisis and promote long-term water sustainability. Rajiv Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), stressed the importance of utilizing treated wastewater, noting that ignoring its potential is a missed opportunity. CSE Director General Sunita Narain linked India’s water scarcity to rapid urbanization, industrial growth, population increase, and climate change. She emphasized that wastewater reuse is crucial for promoting water circularity and sustainability, turning wastewater back into a usable resource. In response to these concerns, the Jal Shakti Ministry has mandated that cities recycle and reuse at least 20% of their consumed water. Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager of the CSE water programme, called this mandate a critical step toward building a climate-resilient and sustainable future. The CSE report urges urgent action to treat and reuse urban wastewater, offering a valuable opportunity to transform waste into resources for India’s water-scarce future.

72% of urban wastewater in India flows into water bodies, land untreated: Report

A meagre 28 per cent of the urban wastewater and sewage generated in India undergoes treatment while the rest flows directly into rivers, lakes and land, according to a report by the think tank Centre for Science and Environment. India’s urban water crisis could ease if all the wastewater is treated and reused, the report released here on Monday said. Rajiv Kumar Mital, Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), said, “Using and disposing of treated water without harnessing its potential means we are losing out on utilizing an important resource. The challenge is to scale up and ensure that the work we do in this sector is impactful.” Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Director General Sunita Narain said India faces significant water scarcity challenges due to rapid urbanization, industrial growth, population expansion and, most importantly, climate change. “Wastewater reuse can be a key part of the strategy to address these concerns and promote water circularity and sustainability.” “In fact, there is an opportunity for turning wastewater into water again and this is what our report’s title — Waste to Worth — is referring to,” Narain added. The Jal Shakti Ministry has mandated that cities must recycle and reuse at least 20 per cent of the water they consume. Subrata Chakraborty, senior programme manager, water programme, CSE, said, “This is in line with the belief that promoting a circular economy is essential for achieving a sustainable and climate-resilient future and for managing the ever-growing demand for freshwater.”