Now Reading: Delhi plans Reclaimed Water Policy 2026 to reuse treated sewage
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Delhi plans Reclaimed Water Policy 2026 to reuse treated sewage
The Delhi government is preparing the Reclaimed Water Policy 2026 to expand the use of treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes such as construction, horticulture and landscaping. Water Minister Parvesh Verma said the…
The Delhi government is preparing the Reclaimed Water Policy 2026 to expand the use of treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes such as construction, horticulture and landscaping. Water Minister Parvesh Verma said the city treats about 750 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage, of which 400 MGD is available for reuse. Currently, only 120 MGD is used, and the policy aims to bring the remaining 280 MGD into productive use.
The government may mandate treated water for certain activities and explore its use in farmhouses, vehicle washing and residential societies. Residential complexes could get dual-pipeline systems to supply treated water separately from drinking water. The Delhi Jal Board is expected to provide separate connections and meters, with a dedicated billing mechanism. The policy is intended to reduce potable water consumption and help households stay within the free water entitlement of 20,000 litres per month.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Delhi's water demand, estimated at over 1,200 MGD against a supply of around 950 MGD, has long outpaced treatment capacity. The 2026 policy tries to close that gap by tapping the 280 MGD of treated water that currently flows to the Yamuna. Under the Central Pollution Control Board's 2019 norms, large construction projects in the National Capital Region must already use treated water, but enforcement has been patchy. The policy's success will hinge on how fast the Delhi Jal Board can install dual-pipeline systems in existing colonies and on the tariff it sets for reclaimed water. The board is expected to finalise the billing structure and infrastructure charge discounts, reported at 50% to 70%, before the policy takes effect.
Source: indiatoday.in
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
