“Time to look for ‘local solutions’ for drinking water needs”, says Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga

Scholars and Industry experts came together to discuss local solutions waste water management at a webinar organised by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on “Decentralized Wastewater Treatment and Local Reuse for Citywide Sanitation and Improved River Health.”

The discussion began with moderators Suresh Kumar Rohilla, Senior Director, CSE and Mahreen Matto, Programme Manager, CSE explaining the alarming situation arising because of lack of domestic sewage treatment in developing countries. Around 80% of the waste water generated in these countries is discharged directly into water bodies. The keynote speaker, Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General, Namami Gange said, “Local solutions are the way out not only for sewage treatment but also for drinking water needs as it cuts down the cost of pumping water to long distances.” He also explained that over the years the focus was only on constructions of Sewage Treatment Plants but in Namami Gange, priority is given to operation and management of the plant. This has ensured establishing ownership of running the plant efficiently and has improved the process.  

MOUNT 2 – Menu of Un-networked Technologies, a portal designed by CSE was launched by Mr. Rajiv Ranjan. While appreciating the launch of the web portal Director General remarked that such portal is very much needed to bring together the details of available technologies, case studies and implementing agencies.

A handbook on “Operation and Maintenance of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System (DWWTs)”, published by CSE was launched at the event. Later, Indra Kant Jha, Emergy Enviro, Mumbai presented a case study of waste water management by Lonavala Muncipal Corporation. Ganpathy PG, Director of Programmes, CDD Society, Bengaluru spoke about alternate fibers. Rakesh Kumar, Director CSIR- NEERI, Chandrashekar Shankar, CEO and Director of Research and Product Development at Vision Earth, Philippe Reymond and Lukas Ulrich of Dubendorf were amongst others who presented case studies on water waste management

“Centralised drainage system was a legacy of 19th century. With rapid urbanisation we have to find solutions locally.” said Munishwar Nath Ashish Ganju. Mr Radheshyam Tyagi, Former Member of Delhi Jal Board also shared his experiences.