Currently, there is no centrally mandated regulation in India that specifically addresses the management of wastewater. This policy gap and lack of a clear regulatory framework result in the improper management of water resources. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, passed by parliament in 1974, addresses the threat posed by industrial effluents. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, passed in 1977, enables different boards to impose a cess on water that is drawn for either domestic or industrial use. The Environment Protection Act (EPA), passed by parliament in 1986, is a national law that is implemented centrally by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The EPA empowers state governments to carry out the act. Additionally, a set of effluent and emission regulations tailored to several industrial sectors have been developed under the EPA.
Water management in India is a state concern as outlined in Schedule 7 of the Indian constitution, but is also subject to laws passed by the parliament that govern the development and regulation of interstate waterways in the public interest. The state government has the authority to create rules governing how water is used within the state, including irrigation, drainage, embankments, and water storage, but due to the power disparities between the center and the states caused by these constitutional provisions, there is uncertainty regarding federal jurisdiction. The lack of clear responsibilities for all relevant stakeholders leads to either duplication of effort or inactivity. This can result in disagreements when it comes to the management of wastewater, particularly when the inactivity of one state negatively impacts the interests of other states. The 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment acts further divide local, rural and urban levels of governance of water resources. To effectively manage water resources and address wastewater issues, a coordinated approach is needed that recognizes the impact of wastewater on both the water sector and the environment. This approach must involve the participation of federal, state, and municipal governments and should be decentralized in order to better assess and address the specific needs and concerns of each area.
Treated wastewater can provide a valuable source of water for various uses, such as direct consumption, irrigation and industry, depending on the level of treatment. Additionally, wastewater treatment can produce high-quality manure and biogas, which can be used as a source of energy. By reducing the need for fertilizers, it can also aid in sustainable crop production and food security. Decentralized wastewater treatment facilities can be easily implemented on-site and can accommodate a wide range of operating scales, from small townships to industrial parks. Other decentralized water treatment options, such as bioremediation and phytoremediation, can also be used in conjunction with centralized and decentralized wastewater treatment facilities to improve water management. These solutions can be used to effectively treat wastewater at the point of generation, reducing the environmental impact and providing a sustainable source of water.
In conclusion, as water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue in India, it is crucial to develop a robust national framework to effectively address this problem. One potential solution is to explore the potential for reusing and recycling wastewater through the creation of value-added materials, energy, and product recovery, in addition to efficient resource recovery. This not only can help to mitigate the water shortage but also can provide a viable financial model to cover the cost associated with building the treatment facilities. Innovative approaches such as the circular economy, partitions-release-recover, and integrating wastewater into a bio factory may also be effective solutions in addressing the wastewater problem. It is important to consider these alternative solutions to ensure a sustainable future for India’s water resources.
