In a major step towards sustainable water management, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved the Safe Reuse of Treated Water Policy, 2026, setting an ambitious target to reuse 50 percent of treated wastewater by 2030. The policy outlines a phased roadmap aimed at addressing the twin challenges of water scarcity and river pollution, while promoting a shift towards a circular water economy.
The initiative marks a significant departure from traditional water management practices that focused primarily on treatment and disposal. Instead, the new policy emphasises the productive reuse of treated wastewater across sectors such as agriculture, industry, construction, and urban landscaping.
According to the roadmap, the first phase will prioritise regions where sewage treatment infrastructure is already in place. In these areas, the government aims to achieve 50 percent safe reuse of treated water by 2030, eventually scaling up to 100 percent reuse in the subsequent phase within the same regions. This approach is designed to maximise existing capacity while ensuring efficient utilisation of resources.
The policy further outlines a parallel strategy for areas where sewage treatment plants are either non-existent or non-operational. In such regions, the third phase targets 30 percent reuse of treated wastewater by 2030. This will be followed by a gradual scale-up to 50 percent by 2035 and complete reuse by 2045, ensuring statewide coverage over time.
Officials emphasise that the policy is aimed at reducing dependence on freshwater sources and curbing excessive groundwater extraction, two pressing concerns in a state that faces increasing water stress due to rapid urbanisation, population growth, and climate variability.
Experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a forward-looking intervention in water governance. Subrata Chakraborty, Director of the Water Programme at the Centre for Science and Environment, noted that the policy reflects a decisive shift in approach.
He stated that the initiative “signals a paradigm shift from conventional ‘treat-and-dispose’ practices to a circular economy model, where wastewater is recognised as a valuable resource.” According to him, such a framework is expected to enhance water security, improve environmental sustainability, and generate economic efficiencies in the long run.
A key feature of the policy is its emphasis on decentralised planning at the city level. Urban local bodies will be required to develop City-Level Reuse Action Plans, which will identify potential reuse opportunities, map sectoral demand, and create the necessary infrastructure for distribution and utilisation of treated water.
Cities such as Agra and Prayagraj have already taken the lead in implementing this approach. In Prayagraj, four proposed projects worth ₹1,625 crore aim to enable the reuse of 126.45 million litres per day of treated water. Meanwhile, Agra has planned three projects worth ₹93 crore to facilitate the reuse of 28 million litres per day.
These projects are being supported technically by the Centre for Science and Environment and financially by the National Mission for Clean Ganga. The initiative also aligns closely with the broader objectives of the Namami Gange Programme, which seeks to reduce pollution in the Ganga and its tributaries.
Environmental experts highlight that increasing the reuse of treated wastewater can significantly reduce the discharge of untreated sewage into rivers. This, in turn, will help lower pollution loads, improve water quality, and strengthen ongoing river rejuvenation efforts.
Beyond environmental benefits, the policy also has important economic implications. By promoting the reuse of treated water in industrial and construction activities, the state aims to reduce the cost burden associated with freshwater extraction and supply. It also opens up opportunities for innovation in water recycling technologies and infrastructure development.
The policy comes at a time when water security is emerging as a critical issue across India. With groundwater levels declining in several regions and demand for water rising steadily, states are increasingly exploring alternative strategies to ensure sustainable supply.
Uttar Pradesh’s initiative is likely to serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges. By integrating wastewater reuse into mainstream policy planning, the state is positioning itself at the forefront of water resource management in India.
However, successful implementation will depend on several factors, including the expansion of sewage treatment infrastructure, effective monitoring mechanisms, and public acceptance of treated water reuse. Ensuring quality standards and building trust among end-users will be crucial to achieving the policy’s ambitious targets.
As the state moves forward with its 2030 roadmap, the focus will remain on translating policy into practice. If implemented effectively, the initiative has the potential to transform wastewater from a liability into a valuable resource, reshaping how water is managed in one of India’s most populous states.
