Lucknow: In a landmark move aimed at strengthening water security and promoting sustainable development, the Uttar Pradesh government under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced an ambitious plan to ensure the safe reuse of 100 per cent wastewater by 2035. As part of the phased strategy, the state has set an interim target of 50 per cent wastewater reuse by 2030.
The initiative is backed by a comprehensive policy framework, a clearly defined roadmap, and a robust implementation mechanism. Officials said the programme is designed not only to conserve water resources but also to lay a strong foundation for sustainable water management for future generations.
Wastewater to Become a Development Resource
Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, wastewater will no longer be treated as a liability but as a valuable economic and environmental resource. According to the proposed policy, treated wastewater will be utilised across multiple sectors, including urban local body operations, industry, agriculture, and non-potable domestic uses.
This approach is expected to significantly reduce pressure on groundwater resources, improve environmental balance, and support economic activities that require large volumes of water.
Three-Phase Implementation Plan
The Uttar Pradesh government has prepared a detailed, three-phase implementation roadmap for wastewater management.
-
Phase One (2025–2030): In areas where sewage treatment plants (STPs) and collection systems are already in place, the government aims to achieve 50 per cent reuse of wastewater.
-
Phase Two (2030–2035): Capacity in these regions will be expanded to ensure 100 per cent reuse of treated wastewater.
-
Phase Three (up to 2045): In regions currently lacking treatment and collection infrastructure, systems will be developed in a phased manner—first achieving 30 per cent reuse, then 50 per cent, and eventually 100 per cent wastewater utilisation.
Strengthening River and Environmental Conservation
Joginder Singh, Project Director of the State Clean Ganga Mission, said that unprecedented efforts are being made under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership to conserve rivers and protect water bodies. The wastewater management initiative, he said, is a crucial extension of these efforts, ensuring that untreated discharge into rivers is minimised while maximising resource efficiency.
Long-Term Benefits for the State
The primary objective of the policy is to ease the growing pressure on freshwater resources, strengthen environmental protection, and ensure sustainable development in both urban and rural areas. Experts believe that the initiative will also generate long-term economic benefits by supporting agriculture and industry with reliable non-potable water supplies, reducing costs, and promoting circular economy practices.
With this ambitious wastewater reuse target, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a national leader in water security and sustainable water management, reinforcing its commitment to balancing development with environmental responsibility.
