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Vinod K. Paul, a member of NITI Aayog, said that India needs a unified national standard to assure the public about the quality and safety of treated water. Speaking at the two-day workshop on ‘Reuse of treated water on Thursday, Dr. Paul mentioned that deliberations are under way to formulate an integrated policy at the national-level for this purpose. Jointly organised by the State government and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), the workshop spotlighted the critical decline in India’s per capita water availability, now below 1,400 cubic meters, and the pressing need for a unified national framework to promote water reuse. Dr. Paul called for ambitious national targets: 50% reuse by 2030 and full reuse by 2045. Currently, only 11 States have formal reuse policies, highlighting the urgency for a comprehensive national strategy. Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh showcased Bengaluru’s efforts, including the rejuvenation of 110 lakes and a goal to achieve 100% water reuse and rainwater harvesting by 2028. The BWSSB, which supplies 2,225 million litres of water daily, treats 1,350 MLD through 34 sewage treatment plants (STPs), with 12 more under construction, she said. Tushar Girinath, Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, emphasised the economic potential of treated water, proposing a rebranding of STPs as ‘resource recovery centres’. This shift could elevate the BWSSB’s revenue from ₹190 crore to ₹1,000 crore annually, he said. The workshop also featured technology exhibitions and expert panels discussing global best practices, policy development, and innovations in sustainable water reuse. On November 7, delegates will visit the Cubbon Park tertiary treatment plant and the KC Valley project to witness Bengaluru’s large-scale reuse and environmental restoration initiatives.
