Indore, the bustling commercial hub of Madhya Pradesh, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first city in India to be awarded the ‘Water Plus’ status. This recognition comes as part of the Swachh Survekshan survey, which evaluates urban areas across the country on their cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation practices. The accolade was given to Indore for its successful efforts in intercepting, diverting, and treating wastewater, thus preventing the pollution of river bodies and other freshwater sources.
Understanding the ‘Water Plus’ Certification
The ‘Water Plus’ certification is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, aimed at promoting cleanliness in urban areas. To be conferred with this title, a city must meet certain stringent criteria related to water management. These include the proper collection and treatment of sewage, the prevention of untreated water from entering water bodies, and the safe reuse of treated wastewater. Achieving the ‘Water Plus’ status is indicative of a city’s commitment to improving its water resource management and maintaining high standards of sanitation.
Indore’s Water Treatment Infrastructure
In its quest to combat water pollution, the Indore administration has undertaken several infrastructural projects. The establishment of seven sewerage water treatment plants stands as a testament to the city’s dedication to treating wastewater effectively. These plants are designed to handle the large volumes of sewage generated by the city’s population and industries, ensuring that the water released back into the environment is free from harmful contaminants.
Domestic and Public Sewer Connections
The city’s strategy to manage water pollution also included the creation of an extensive network of domestic and public sewer connections. Approximately 5,600 domestic sewer connections have been installed, facilitating the safe and efficient transport of household wastewater to treatment facilities. Furthermore, around 1,700 public sewer links have been established, which serve to collect sewage from public utilities such as toilets and ensure that it too is treated before being discharged.
Reuse of Treated Water
One of the key achievements of Indore in its water conservation efforts is the reuse of treated water. Currently, the city reuses about 110 million litres of treated water each day. This recycled water is used for various non-potable purposes, such as gardening, industrial cooling, and construction, thereby reducing the pressure on the city’s freshwater resources. The practice of reusing treated water not only conserves precious water reserves but also demonstrates the sustainable approach Indore has adopted in its water management policies.
Impact on River and Freshwater Body Conservation
Indore’s initiative to address water pollution has had a positive impact on the conservation of rivers and other freshwater bodies in the region. By preventing the flow of untreated sewage into these water sources, the city has taken a vital step toward protecting aquatic ecosystems and ensuring the availability of clean water for future generations. This proactive approach towards environmental conservation is critical for the sustainable development of urban centers.
Setting a Benchmark for Other Cities
Indore’s ‘Water Plus’ status sets a benchmark for other cities across India to follow. It serves as a model for how urban areas can effectively manage their water resources and tackle the challenges of water pollution. The success of Indore in achieving this status is a call to action for other municipalities to invest in similar water treatment and conservation initiatives, thereby contributing to the overall goal of a cleaner and more sustainable India.
