UP Cabinet Approves 'Safe Reuse of Treated Water Policy 2026' for Water Sustainability
Circular Economy in Water: Uttar Pradesh's Phased Water Management Strategy
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Safe Reuse of Treated Water Policy, 2026, to tackle the growing water crisis and reduce the state's dependence on groundwater. Developed with support from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the policy marks a transition toward a 'Circular Economy' in urban water management.
Phased Implementation Targets
- Short-Term (2030): The policy mandates 50% reuse of treated water from all functional Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) by 2030.
- Long-Term: A target of 100% reuse has been set for later phases in operational areas, with a gradual rollout planned until 2045 for non-operational regions.
Multi-Sectoral Application
The treated wastewater will be strictly reused in non-potable sectors such as:
- Agriculture & Irrigation: Reducing the pressure on groundwater for farming.
- Industrial Use: Power plants and manufacturing units will be encouraged to switch from freshwater to treated water.
- Urban Infrastructure: Reused in road construction, firefighting, and city landscaping.
City-Level Reuse Action Plans (CLRAPs)
The policy focuses on decentralized management through City-Level Reuse Action Plans (CLRAPs). Early adopters like Agra (₹93 crore project) and Prayagraj (₹1,625 crore project) have already initiated infrastructure development for water recycling. For TNPSC and Environmental aspirants, this is a key example of Sustainable Urban Governance.
