# Water-wise cities need planning, reuse and stronger utilities 2026-08-07T09:44:39+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Indian cities must redesign how they plan, finance and govern water systems as urban populations and demand rise, The Hindu reports. The paper argues that crisis response alone will not address shortages, floods and contamination. Cities should map rivers, lakes, aquifers, drains, recharge zones and floodplains before approving major projects. They should also capture rainwater, recharge groundwater, reuse treated wastewater and cut distribution losses. The proposed strategy favours diverse local supplies rather than complete self-sufficiency. National guidance already asks cities to recycle and reuse at least 20% of the water they use. The article calls for time-bound targets, dedicated reuse networks and stronger utilities responsible for the full water cycle. It also recommends assessing demand reduction, life-cycle costs and environmental damage before funding large supply projects. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: city planning, climate resilience, groundwater, urban water, water reuse Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/water-wise-cities-need-planning-reuse-and-stronger-utilities/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/water-wise-cities-need-planning-reuse-and-stronger-utilities/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.