With India urbanising at a rapid pace, there is mounting pressure on the water system. The government has launched various programmes to provide access to clean drinking water, improve wastewater treatment techniques and ensure water security. In an interview with Indian Infrastructure, D. Thara, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), discusses the progress of the sector over the years, the targets under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, the role of the private sector and the future outlook. Excerpts…
How would you assess the progress in the water and sewerage sector in recent years? What are the ministry’s current focus areas?
In recent years, significant progress has been made in the water and sewerage sector through AMRUT. Tap coverage in cities has increased from 40 per cent in 2011 to 70 per cent at present, while sewer coverage has risen from 32 per cent to 62 per cent across 500 AMRUT cities. Post 2015, through AMRUT interventions, capacities have been created to execute large infrastructure projects in the cities. In 485 cities, 63,000 km of water network and 18,400 km of sewer network have been laid; while 3,898 million litres per day (mld) of water treatment and 3,880 mld of sewage treatment capacities have been created, resulting in the provision of functional taps to around 19 million households and sewerage connections to around 14.7 million households.
Escalating the coverage of AMRUT, AMRUT 2.0 was launched in October 2021. Water security is the primary focus, to be ensured through the provision of functional tap connections with adequate quantity and quality of water to all households in all statutory towns/cities across the country via a circular economy focused on reuse of water, rejuvenation of waterbodies and development of permeable spaces/sponge cities. In essence, the ministry’s vision for AMRUT 2.0 extends far beyond mere infrastructure development. It seeks to transform India’s urban areas into resilient, water-secure environments by harnessing the power of sustainable practices, innovative technologies and community engagement.
What has been the progress so far under the AMRUT mission? What are the targets and timelines for AMRUT 2.0?
The AMRUT mission has completed nearly nine years. So far, against a plan size of Rs 776.4 billion, projects worth over Rs 833.45 billion have been grounded. About 93 per cent of work has been physically completed, and the remaining work is ongoing. Through various reforms, tangible benefits have been achieved, such as improved urban local body finances, energy efficiency in urban utility operations, improved service delivery for citizens and improved ease of doing business.
Under AMRUT 2.0, so far, 8,205 projects worth Rs 1.83 trillion, with committed central assistance worth Rs 616.54 billion, have been sanctioned. Many new projects have been planned under the mission, including a 142,000 km water distribution network, 10,629 mld of water treatment capacity, 40.4 million new/serviced tap connections, a 29,105 km sewer network, 5,792 mld of sewage treatment capacity, recycle/reuse capacity of 2,347 mld for treated used water, and 12.7 million new/serviced sewerage connections. For the rejuvenation of water bodies, 2,713 projects worth Rs 54.32 billion have been approved. Further, 375 projects worth Rs 224.59 billion have been approved as pilot projects to ensure 24×7 water supply of “drink from tap” quality.
What initiatives are being taken for recycling and reusing used water in urban areas?
MoHUA is taking significant steps to promote the recycling and reuse of treated wastewater in urban areas across India, fostering a circular water economy. A key initiative under this effort is the AMRUT mission and its successor, AMRUT 2.0. These programmes emphasise the reuse of treated wastewater for various purposes, such as irrigation, industrial use and horticulture. MoHUA plans to further enhance the reuse capacity to 10,000 mld by 2030.
A cornerstone of these efforts is the construction and upgrading of sewage treatment plants. These play a crucial role in treating wastewater, which is then repurposed for non-potable uses. By investing in these facilities, cities are reducing their reliance on freshwater resources and promoting sustainable water management practices. Furthermore, MoHUA has been instrumental in establishing water reuse regulations, encouraging states to adopt guidelines for the recycle and reuse of treated wastewater. Eleven states, including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Haryana, have already notified their state policies on wastewater and used water recycling.
What are your views on the role of technology in achieving a circular economy in India?
Technology is a critical enabler in the transition to a circular economy in India, particularly in the realm of sustainable water management. The integration of advanced technologies across various stages of the water cycle is indispensable for addressing water scarcity, optimising resource use and ensuring the sustainable recycling of water. The use of smart technologies, such as internet of things and data analytics, has revolutionised water management systems. These innovations enable real-time monitoring and control of water usage, leak detection and resource allocation. By optimising water distribution and reducing wastage, these technologies enhance water efficiency in both urban and industrial areas.
The role of desalination technologies is also becoming increasingly important, particularly in water-scarce regions of India. By converting seawater or brackish water into fresh water, desalination plants provide a sustainable supplement to traditional water sources. Rainwater harvesting is another key component of a circular water economy.
Under AMRUT 2.0, India is further leveraging technology by promoting a city start-up alliance for innovative, environment-friendly water technologies. MoHUA has selected 105 start-ups under the start-up challenge, each receiving financial support to implement innovative projects, in collaboration with 67 cities.
How has the experience been with PPPs in the water and sewerage sector so far? What are the key roadblocks?
PPPs in India’s water and sewerage sector have had mixed results. So far, the majority of PPPs in India are in the transport and energy sectors. However, cities such as Delhi and Bengaluru have successfully implemented PPPs in the water sector, leading to improved infrastructure, better service delivery and increased investment. To incentivise mobilisation of private capital in the water sector, there is a need to develop a long-term strategy underpinned by a strong legal framework, sound policy and the political will. In the water sector, PPP may be introduced through hybrid schemes largely based on public financing combined with efficient private operation or contribution from a private operator in improving the financial viability and efficiency of water supply and sanitation services.
A gradual approach to PPPs, commencing with smaller-scale pilot projects in cities with million-plus populations, may help build expertise in both the legal framework and the abilities of the private sector as specified in AMRUT 2.0. Under AMRUT 2.0, to promote PPPs, cities with million-plus populations are mandated to take up PPP projects worth a minimum of 10 per cent of their total project allocation. So far, 50 projects worth Rs 77.89 billion have been approved in 11 states. However, there are major roadblocks against adopting the PPP model, including the limited technical and financial capacity of implementing agencies, lack of political and administrative support, lack of local stakeholders’ support, etc.
What are the key challenges that remain unaddressed?
The water and wastewater sector faces many significant challenges. For instance, capacity constraints with respect to detailed project report preparation and the tendering of projects cause significant delays, resulting in a protracted period from the initial approval stage to the actual grounding of projects in various states and UTs. The implementation constraints faced by projects are primarily attributable to the limited number of contractors available in the market, significantly hampering the ability to execute planned activities within the desired timelines. The reliance on a restricted contractor base can compromise the quality of the work delivered, as these contractors may be stretched too thin across multiple assignments.
Further, operations and maintenance issues encompass a wide range of challenges, including equipment wear and tear, inadequate maintenance practices and insufficient training of personnel. To effectively address these concerns, it is essential to implement a comprehensive strategy involving regular inspections, preventive maintenance schedules and thorough training programmes. Moreover, the lesser involvement of citizens in the planning, execution and maintenance of water infrastructure projects has become a critical concern. AMRUT 2.0 is focusing on active involvement of SHGs and women empowerment through the “AMRUT Mitra” initiative in the water sector. So far, 582 projects have been approved across 25 states/UTs, involving over 350 SHGs, underscoring the critical role of women in achieving water quality goals.
Lastly, information regarding water quality is not reaching citizens, resulting in a significant gap in public awareness and understanding of the vital issues related to the safety and cleanliness of their drinking water.
What is the sector outlook for the next one to two years?
As we look ahead to the next few years, the outlook for the water sector is both promising and challenging. Water scarcity, ageing infrastructure, population growth and climate change are just a few of the factors shaping the future of the industry. With increasing pressure on water resources and growing demand for innovative solutions, the water sector is poised for significant changes and advancements in the coming years.
Despite these challenges, there are also great opportunities for innovation and growth in the water sector. The adoption of smart technologies, such as sensors, data analytics and artificial intelligence, is transforming the way water is managed, monitored and distributed. These advancements are enabling real-time monitoring of water quality, leak detection and optimisation of water treatment processes, leading to improved efficiency, reliability and sustainability. In the coming years, we can expect to see greater collaboration between stakeholders, increased investment in research and development, and the scaling up of innovative water technologies to address the complex challenges facing the sector.
