The state government is likely to make it mandatory for all municipal corporations to treat and use sewage water for non-drinking purposes. The urban development department (UDD) has asked municipal corporations to make the system economically viable, socially acceptable, technically and institutionally appropriate; they must ensure sustainable sanitation systems in urban areas.
Sewage is now being looked upon as an alternate source for water for specific uses. It is most successful among the options available because of its consistent availability at the point of use. Sewage from the complex can be treated through a sewage treatment plant and the treated water used for toilet flushing and gardening.
The central government has drafted stringent guidelines for sewage treatment, reuse and recycling of waste water, energy recovery from sludge and preparation of city sanitation plans. The civic bodies will have to follow these guidelines while planning city projects. The manual provides guidelines on latest technologies in sewerage and sewage treatment, reuse and recycling of waste water, energy recovery from sludge and preparation of city sanitation plans.
A planned development of habitation and need for regional planning with a concept to provide urban infrastructure, including total sustainable sanitation in the urban areas of the country, was discussed in the workshop.
