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First phase to focus on 50% safe reuse of water in places where sewage treatment plants are operational and collection and treatment capacity exists, targeting 100% in second phase
Experts said promoting reuse and reducing untreated wastewater discharge will also contribute to lowering pollution loads in rivers and strengthening ongoing efforts under programmes such as Namami Gange. (Representational image: Vimal Mishra)
Setting a new benchmark to tackle water scarcity and reduce pollution load in its rivers, Uttar Pradesh has now adopted an ambitious plan to reuse treated wastewater in the state, aiming to achieve 50% safe reuse by 2030.
The state government approved a Safe Reuse of Treated Water Policy, 2026, which lays out a clear roadmap in five phases. In the first phase, with a target of 2030, it will aim for 50 per cent safe reuse of treated used water in places where sewage treatment plants (STPs) are operational and collection and treatment capacity already exists, targeting 100 per cent safe reuse in these same places by 2030 in the second phase.
The third phase also has a target of 2030, but it proposes to safely reuse 30 per cent of treated used water in places where STPs do not exist or are non-operational. The fourth and fifth phases of the policy will target reusing 50 per cent by 2035 and 100 per cent by 2045, respectively, in these same places.
The aim is to reduce dependence on freshwater sources and curb excessive groundwater extraction by promoting the reuse of treated water across key sectors such as agriculture, industry, construction, and urban landscaping, said the government.
“The UP government must be commended for taking a decisive step to address the growing water stress through this policy, which advocates a structured and large-scale reuse of treated wastewater,” said Subrata Chakraborty, Director, Water programme, New Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), which supported the state government, the State Mission for Clean Gangain reviewing the draft policy, providing critical technical inputs, and finalising the draft.
“Importantly, the policy signals a paradigm shift from conventional “treat-and-dispose” practices to a circular economy approach, where wastewater is recognised as a valuable resource. It is expected to not only enhance water security but also contribute to long-term environmental sustainability and economic efficiency,” added Chakraborty, highlighting that it focuses on decentralised city-level planning.
Cities such as Agra and Prayagraj have already started the work by preparing their City-Level Reuse Action Plans (CLRAPs) to guide urban local bodies to identify reuse opportunities, map demand, and develop the infrastructure to ensure effective utilisation of treated wastewater. The action plans are designed with technical support from CSE and funding support from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
In Prayagrajfour proposed projects worth Rs 1,625 crore aim to enable the reuse of 126.45 million litres a day (MLD) of treated water, while in Agra, three projects worth Rs 93 crore will target the reuse of 28 MLD.
Experts said promoting reuse and reducing untreated wastewater discharge will also contribute to lowering pollution loads in rivers and strengthening ongoing efforts under programmes such as Namami Gange.
March 28, 2026, 4:51 PM IST
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