Uttar Pradesh Unveils Wastewater Reuse Plan Through 2035 (India)

Uttar Pradesh aims to achieve 50% reuse of treated wastewater by 2030 and 100% by 2035, covering agriculture, industry, and domestic use. The phased plan seeks sustainable water management, environmental protection, and long-term economic benefits across urban and rural areas. Uttar Pradesh has announced an ambitious plan to increase the reuse of treated wastewater across the state, aiming to achieve 50 percent reuse by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035. The initiative is designed to support sustainable water management, reduce pressure on groundwater resources, and provide a reliable supply for agriculture, industry, and other sectors.

The state government has outlined a phased approach to implement this program. The first phase, from 2025 to 2030, will focus on areas where sewage treatment plants and collection infrastructure are already in place, targeting a 50 percent reuse rate of wastewater. The second phase, from 2030 to 2035, will expand capacity in these areas to ensure full utilization of treated water. The final phase, extending to 2045, will develop wastewater infrastructure in regions currently lacking treatment facilities, progressively increasing reuse levels to 100 percent.

Officials have emphasized that the policy treats wastewater not as a burden but as a potential economic and environmental resource. Treated wastewater will be utilized for municipal operations, industrial processes, agriculture, and non-potable domestic applications. By doing so, the initiative aims to strengthen environmental balance while offering long-term economic benefits.

The plan also includes the development of specific strategies for urban, rural, and non-potable applications, ensuring a comprehensive approach to water conservation. Alongside the reuse program, ongoing river and water management efforts are being conducted to maintain ecological sustainability. Experts note that with growing water demand and increasing stress on freshwater resources, such initiatives can play a significant role in sustainable development. By integrating treated wastewater into its planning, Uttar Pradesh aims to improve water availability while reducing environmental impact.

The phased approach is intended to create a replicable model for other states facing similar water challenges. Over the next two decades, the policy aims to transform wastewater into a key component of resource management, supporting both economic growth and environmental stewardship.