New Delhi, 25 July– The Sujalam-II summit on reclaimed water, themed “Clear Solutions: Resource Recovery from Reclaimed Water,” was organised by Water Digest and supported by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. VA TECH WABAG Limited, South Eastern Coalfield Limited, NBCC (India) Limited, NHPC Limited, NJS Engineers Private Limited, Andritz and Pure N Safe Private Limited were key partners for the event. The summit, which was the sequel to the Jal Sujalam summit in 2023, successfully brought together stakeholders, experts and decision-makers from both the government and private sectors for a full day of insightful discussions and presentations. Attendees braved the sudden downpour to be present at the conference, which is a testament to the importance of the theme.
The conference was organised to address the pressing issues of wastewater treatment, recycling, and resource recovery. With a focus on innovative technologies and sustainable practices, Sujalam-II provided a platform for sharing knowledge and exploring new strategies to optimise water reuse and resource recovery. The conference consisted of an Inaugural session and two additional sessions focused on solutions, implementations, policy and technologies.
The inaugural session started with welcoming the dignitaries on stage and a ceremonial lamp lighting ceremony by all the dignitaries, post which Ms. Anupama Madhok Sud, Director and Editor, Water Digest, officially launched the event with her Welcome Address. She laid out the objectives of the event, commenting that this year would build on the achievements from the first iteration of the conference, forging the pathway to reframing the narrative around wastewater and changing the perspective to look at it as a resource, starting with renaming it to Reclaimed Water. This was followed by the addresses of the Guests of Honour on the dais. Mr. A. B. Pandya, Secretary General, International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage and Editor-in-Chief, Water Digest made the Opening Address, while Special Addresses were given by Ms. Archana Varma (IAS), Addl. Secretary, Mission Director, National Water Mission, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Mr. Rajeev Kumar Mital (IAS), Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Ms. Laura Sustersic, Project Director, Support to Ganga Rejuvenation III, Mr. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra (IAS), Chief Advisor NIUA, Former DG National Mission for Clean Ganga and Mr. G. Asok Kumar (IAS), Former Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, who joined virtually.
Following the inaugural session, the first session commenced on the subject of ‘Wastewater Treatment, Recycle and Reuse: Smart Technologies & Sustainable Plants’. The session was highly educational with addresses by Mr. Anshuman, Director, Water Resources Division, TERI, Ms. Noa Amsalem, Water Attaché, Embassy of Israel in India, Mr. Sanjay Thute, General Manager – Global BD, VA TECH WABAG Limited and Dr. Sumit Kumar Gautam, Technical Expert to Ganga Rejuvenation III, (GIZ) GmBH. The session delved into the latest advancements in wastewater treatment, recycling and resource recovery technologies. Speakers highlighted smart technologies that are revolutionising the field, showcasing sustainable plant designs that maximise efficiency and minimise environmental impact.
The summit then broke for lunch, post which the second session started, focused on ‘Resource Recovery from Effluent and Sludge, Biosolids Management and Circular Economy’’. Mr. R. S. Tyagi, Expert Advisor – National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), and Ex-Member – Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Dr. Pravin Kumar, Director, NMCG, who also chaired the session, Dr. Indra N. Mitra, Director – Technical and Project Development, Cambi India, Mr. R. K. Singh, Scientist D, Central Pollution Control Board and Mr. Anshuman, Director, Water Resources Division, TERI had an insightful discussion with questions and active participation by the audience. The session focused on the critical area of resource recovery from effluent and sludge. Experts discussed innovative methods for biosolids management and the integration of circular economy principles into wastewater treatment processes.
Ms. Archana Varma (IAS), Addl. Secretary, Mission Director, National Water Mission, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti commented that “Any framework for reuse of used water would have to change the psyche in people and bring back the respect for water which traditionally as a country we had. Our mental makeup towards water has to change. We already have a framework of reused water which was inaugurated in 2022. We are trying to work towards developing a national agency.”
Highlighting the government’s work on the matter, Mr. Rajeev Kumar Mital (IAS), Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga commented, “There is a dedicated Centre of Excellence on the reuse of treated water, which is doing various kinds of research, mapping and advocacy on various initiatives taken by state governments and taking the idea forward.”
Building on the general sentiments of the summit, Mr. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra (IAS), Chief Advisor NIUA, Former DG National Mission for Clean Ganga commented, “Developing treatment capacity becomes our first goal. And you have to do it fast because this is your source; once you have that available, only then can you reuse it.”
Speaking on the success of the event, Ms. Anupama Madhok Sud, Director and Editor, Water Digest stated” We are thrilled with the outcomes of Sujalam-II. The summit provided a unique opportunity for stakeholders to come together and share their expertise, paving the way for future advancements in water management and resource recovery.”
Sujalam-II concluded with a strong sense of accomplishment and optimism for the future of water resource management. The day’s discussions and presentations provided a comprehensive overview of current challenges and innovative solutions in the field. Participants left with a renewed commitment to advancing sustainable practices and fostering collaborative efforts. The conference not only highlighted the importance of viewing wastewater as a valuable resource but also set the stage for future initiatives and partnerships aimed at ensuring water security and environmental sustainability.
