Promoting circular economy: Maharashtra cabinet approves policy to process, reuse sewage and wastewater for 424 urban local bodies

Mumbai: Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday approved the policy to promote a circular economy by processing and reusing sewage and wastewater for 424 urban local bodies . State govt also cleared a provision of Rs 500 crore for the urban development department, which will implement the policy.

"Around 48% of the state's total population lives in urban areas. The demand for water in this area is increasing rapidly. At the same time, a very small amount of wastewater generated is being processed and reused," said a senior official. "Sustainable management of wastewater and reuse of treated water are effective solutions to the growing demand for water. Emphasis will be placed on promoting the reuse of treated wastewater."

"Also, institutional building will be done keeping in mind the social and economic benefits of all these aspects. The responsibility of various mechanisms has been determined for this. This will encourage water processing and reuse. The 2025 policy for promoting a circular economy through the treatment and reuse of wastewater was approved today. This policy will be applicable to all urban local bodies, large water users, implementation mechanisms, and citizens. The main objective of this policy will be to use the treated wastewater for purposes other than drinking and to promote a circular economy of water," officials said.

A circular economy is an economic system that eliminates waste and pollution by emphasising practices like sharing, reusing, repairing, and recycling products and materials to maintain their value and extend their lifespan.

"The priority order of use of treated water will be thermal power plant, industry, urban use, and agricultural irrigation. For this, there will be a district joint monitoring committee led by the district collector or municipal commissioner. Also, at the state level, there will be a state-level high-level steering committee led by the chief secretary," the official said.

Officials said Maharashtra generates substantial sewage, with a significant portion still being discharged untreated into rivers and the Arabian Sea, causing water pollution and health risks.