Kidwai calls for creation of treated wastewater market
The Koyambedu Industrial Water Reclamation Plant, which has the potential to supply highly purified reclaimed water to different industrial clients, such as the automotive industry, was highlighted at a conference along with Nesapakkam Tertiary Treatment Plant that could provide purified recycled water for drinking purposes.
These two projects by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) were cited as examples of water projects by Dr Josef Lahnsteiner, Chair, IWA Reuse Specialist Group, at the 13th IWA International Conference on Water Reclamation and Reuse under the theme–Water Reuse: Overcoming the Challenges of Growth and Climate Change-hosted by FICCI.
He also noted that the Centre Government’s efforts in promoting river rejuvenation projects, effluent treatment, and water purification methods.
IWA President Dr Thomas Michael Mollenkopf added, “Chennai is making a critical contribution towards addressing water problems with the linear approach and wastewater reuse and pollution management.”
However, he noted that impediments remain to a large degree in water reuse, and called for community involvement.
The Surat Corporation has also assured water management at best, having sold treated water worth Rs.140 crore, says G Asok Kumar, Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
He emphasised the importance of managing wastewater as a resource, calling it a game changer.
“We have a sufficient quantity of water, but we do not manage the water effectively,” said Kumar, adding “If we can handle the twin issues of water management and water governance, we could easily solve most of the water issues in the country.
Kumar said, “The UN ranked Namami Gange as one of the top-10 ecosystem restoration programmes in the world.”
Citing the recognition for Namami Gange, he highlighted plans to rejuvenate river Cauvery on the model of multi-billion-dollar Ganga project.
“The Ganga project is a shining example towards saving a sacred river, all with the initiatives of the Jal Mission,” appreciated Dr GSK Velu, Chairman, FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council.
Kumar noted that India is the largest exploiter of groundwater, with 85% of water used in agriculture and pointed to the Ministry of Jal Shakti initiative for the mapping and management of the aquifer systems of the country.
In addition, he informed that six states have come out with a water management policy.
Rajiv D Mittal, CEO, Va Tech Wabag, suggested creating a blue credit mechanism along the lines of carbon credits, besides attracting private investment and putting in place a national framework for the safe reuse of treated water.
In her opening remarks at the conference, Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairman, FICCI Water Mission and Past President, FICCI, has called for creation of a market for treated wastewater as part of sustainable water practices. fiinews.com
