KOLKATA: The Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department of West Bengal has drafted a new state policy aimed at the safe reuse of treated wastewater. This initiative is designed to encourage sustainable practices in the reuse of treated water.
The draft outlines that new residential housing projects, which have received environmental clearance, must incorporate systems for the maximum reuse of treated wastewater for non-potable purposes. This directive is particularly intended for multistoried buildings, gated communities, public institutions, commercial establishments, hotels, airports, and major railway stations. Stakeholders, experts, and organizations are invited to share their feedback on the draft within the next 30 days.
Furthermore, the draft proposes creating a comprehensive database and a management information system using a GIS platform to regularly assess water demand, wastewater generation, and the reuse of treated wastewater across various sectors, while also mapping the needed locations for treatment plants.
The policy sets an ambitious target of achieving a 20% reuse rate of treated wastewater for non-potable applications in sectors such as industry, power generation, agriculture, and housing by the year 2030. It also suggests implementing a user charge for the use of treated wastewater and aims to commercialize its usage to generate revenue.
The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) will oversee monitoring of emerging contaminants and heavy metals found in treated municipal wastewater.
