The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has announced plans to supply treated wastewater to industries located in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) zones.
The decision aims to tackle the growing water demand in the region, while also reducing the strain on the city’s potable water supply. This project will see the construction of dedicated water pipelines to provide treated water to industries in areas including Pimpri, Chinchwad, Bhosari, Chakan, Talwade, and Hinjawadi. As urbanisation accelerates in Pimpri-Chinchwad, the demand for water has surged. However, with available water resources likely to fall short in the future, the PCMC has turned to wastewater recycling as a sustainable solution. Currently, the city operates 20 sewage treatment plants (STPs) processing a combined 300 million litres per day (MLD) of wastewater. While this water is treated and made suitable for non-potable uses, only 22 MLD of it is currently being utilised. The rest, which includes water from sewage treatment plants, is released into rivers.
To make the most of this valuable resource, the PCMC will now redirect treated water to industries, thus reducing their dependency on freshwater supplies. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to address the city’s growing industrial needs and alleviate water scarcity. One such industry, Tata Motors, has already requested 1.5 MLD of treated water, a signal of the increasing demand for this eco-friendly alternative. The distribution of treated water will be closely monitored through a newly developed software system, which will track usage and help maintain transparency in the allocation process. The system will include QR codes on water distribution units, allowing for real-time monitoring. This will ensure that the water is being used efficiently and that records are maintained accurately for billing and regulatory purposes. The initiative is set to provide a win-win solution: industries get access to affordable and sustainable water, while the city reduces waste and conserves precious freshwater resources.
PCMC has also recognised the importance of ensuring that wastewater management is both efficient and scalable. As per the guidelines from the Maharashtra Government’s Urban Development Department, municipalities are required to recycle and reuse wastewater. This mandate aligns with national campaigns like “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” and “Majhi Vasundhara,” which stress the importance of water conservation and wastewater management. Moreover, by embracing this sustainable approach, the PCMC will earn credits for its role in reducing the city’s water footprint. Currently, the city draws a total of 620 MLD of water, sourced from Pavan Dam (520 MLD), Andra (80 MLD), and MIDC (20 MLD). Of this, only 300 MLD undergoes treatment, and the remaining water is either not used or released back into natural water bodies. Given this context, the PCMC’s efforts to increase the capacity of its STPs and boost the processing of treated water are not just timely, but essential for ensuring long-term water security for the city.
The new tracking system, designed to monitor sewage usage, represents a key step in modernising water management in Pimpri-Chinchwad. By ensuring efficient usage of treated wastewater and expanding its application to industries, the PCMC is setting a benchmark for cities across India in sustainable urban development. The move not only supports industrial growth but also furthers the city’s commitment to a greener, more water-conscious future. In a city where water demand far outpaces supply, the integration of wastewater reuse into industrial operations is a crucial step forward in building an eco-friendly, sustainable urban environment. The PCMC’s initiative is poised to serve as a model for other municipalities looking to balance urban growth with environmental stewardship.
As the city’s infrastructure adapts to its increasing needs, the collaborative effort between municipal authorities, industries, and residents will be critical in creating a sustainable, water-efficient future.
Source: https://bit.ly/42lkOHh
