Aishwarya Naik
Introduction
India, a land once defined by its sacred rivers and thriving water bodies, now faces a deepening water crisis. Rapid urbanization without adequate infrastructure, poor maintenance of existing sewage systems, and weak enforcement of environmental regulations have led to widespread discharge of untreated wastewater into natural water bodies. Industrial effluents, coupled with low public awareness and a lack of community participation, further aggravate the problem. Climate change intensifies this issue through erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts, reducing the natural dilution capacity of rivers and lakes. An over-reliance on centralized treatment systems and the underutilization of decentralized, local solutions only deepen the crisis.
Causes of Dying Waters and Wastewater Mismanagement
Every day, India produces nearly 62 billion liters of wastewater, yet only about 30% is treated before being released into the environment. The rest flows into rivers, lakes, and soil, contaminating fresh water sources and threatening both biodiversity and public health.
Urbanization has outpaced infrastructure, leading to the discharge of untreated sewage into rivers and lakes. Industries often release chemical waste directly into natural water systems, bypassing treatment norms. Even where sewage treatment plants exist, many are outdated, underperforming, or completely non-functional. Rural areas, though less industrialized, contribute to water pollution through open defecation and agricultural runoff. Adding to this, climate change has altered natural water cycles, causing regions to swing between floods and droughts, overwhelming already fragile ecosystems. The lack of awareness about water as a finite resource, and a disconnect between consumption and conservation, further deepen the crisis.
Government Policies and Interventions
The Indian government has recognized the severity of the water crisis and launched several major programs to address it.
a) Namami Gange Mission- flagship program focuses on cleaning and conserving the Ganga River. The mission includes the construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs), setting up crematoria, river surface cleaning. The initiative aims to reduce the amount of untreated sewage entering the river and restore its ecological health.
b) Jal Shakti Abhiyan- This campaign promotes water conservation and rainwater harvesting, particularly in water-stressed districts. It operates through five key pillars: water conservation and rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional water bodies, reuse and recharge structures, watershed development, and intensive afforestation.
c) AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation)-AMRUT provides funding and technical support to improve urban infrastructure, including sewerage networks, septage management, and wastewater treatment facilities. It aims to ensure that cities have the capacity to treat sewage and manage urban water demands effectively.
d) State-Level Regulations and Industrial Compliance- Many states have introduced their own policies mandating the treatment and reuse of wastewater by industries. For example, several industrial zones now follow zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) norms, requiring complete recycling of used water.
Policy Challenges and Need for Strengthening
Despite the strong policy framework, several implementation challenges persist. Many treatment plants operate below capacity or lack proper maintenance. Coordination between central, state, and municipal bodies is often weak. Additionally, limited awareness, lack of trained manpower, and funding constraints hinder large-scale success. Community participation remains minimal in many regions, thereby limiting the long-term effectiveness of these policies.
Role of Technology in Wastewater Management
Technology is playing an increasingly critical role in revolutionizing wastewater management by making systems smarter, more responsive, and energy-efficient. It allows for better monitoring, quicker decision-making, and optimized treatment processes, which are essential in the age of climate change.
a) Internet of Things (IoT) for Real-Time Monitoring- IoT sensors can be installed in sewage systems, treatment plants, and discharge points to monitor parameters like pH, turbidity, chemical levels, and flow rates. These devices provide real-time data, allowing authorities to detect pollution or leaks instantly and respond before damage escalates. For example, if contamination exceeds safe levels, automated alerts can be triggered for immediate action.
b) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)- AI and ML algorithms analyze large volumes of operational data to optimize treatment processes, forecast equipment failures, and improve energy efficiency. These technologies can recommend adjustments in chemical dosing, aeration, or filtration timing, which reduces operational costs and improves output quality.
c) Geographic Information Systems (GIS)- GIS is used for mapping sewage networks, drainage systems, and pollution sources. It helps urban planners visualize wastewater flow patterns, identify overburdened areas, and plan interventions more effectively. GIS data is also vital during floods or contamination events, helping pinpoint the origin of pollution.
Youth and Community Engagement
The rejuvenation of India’s water bodies is not just a technical challenge—it is a social movement that needs the involvement of citizens, especially the youth. Across the country, young people are leading campaigns to clean lakes, raise awareness, and develop local solutions. NGOs, school eco-clubs, and college groups are engaging in lake restoration, river clean-ups, and water audits. Social media is also being used creatively to document pollution, highlight success stories, and mobilize support. These efforts not only bring visibility to the problem but also cultivate a culture of ownership and care for water resources. Empowering communities to take charge of their water systems is one of the most effective ways to ensure long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
India’s dying water bodies are a warning sign and a call to action. Climate change is intensifying the stress on our already fragile water systems, but it also offers an opportunity to rethink our approach. Wastewater, when managed wisely, can be a lifeline—not a liability. From treating sewage to reusing every drop, from smart technologies to citizen-led initiatives, the solutions are within reach. The need now is to scale them with urgency, supported by strong governance, community participation, and innovation.
Water is not just a resource—it is the foundation of life, health, economy, and climate resilience. If we are to revive our rivers and restore balance with nature, we must start by transforming how we manage wastewater. Let this be the era where every drop counts, not just in consumption but in regeneration.
About the contributor: Aishwarya Naik is an environmental engineer with a passion for sustainable development, climate action, and circular urban solutions. With a background in software development and a growing interest in leveraging technology for environmental impact, she explores innovative ways to address pressing ecological challenges, committed to creating awareness, driving community engagement, and advocating for inclusive, resilient, and regenerative futures. She is a fellow of EPAYF 2.0 – Environment Policy and Action Youth Fellowship, Cohort 2.0.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
Read more at IMPRI:
One Earth, One Health: A Critical Analysis of India’s One Health Consortium, 2021
Acknowledgement: This article was posted by Khushboo Dandona, a research intern at IMPRI.
