The Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) has approved an ambitious plan to lay a dedicated pipeline network. This network will supply treated water from sewage treatment plants to parks across several city areas. The move aims to drastically cut down the use of precious drinking water for irrigation purposes.
Project Details and Approved Funding
MCG officials gave their nod to the proposal on Monday. The project carries an estimated cost of Rs 1.98 crore. This investment will fund the installation of distribution pipelines connecting STPs to designated green spaces.
Targeted Parks and Implementation Strategy
The new pipeline network will specifically cater to parks located in Sector 39, Mohyal Colony, South City-1 (covering blocks A through K), and Greenwood City. Once operational, this system will use treated wastewater for routine park irrigation.
Officials highlight that this will be particularly beneficial during the peak summer months. It will significantly reduce the dependency on municipal drinking water supplies for maintaining green cover. The initiative promotes a more sustainable model of urban water use.
Additional Benefits: Recharging Groundwater
The plan includes an innovative component to refill the dried-up Jharsa pond using treated water. Authorities believe this action could help recharge local groundwater levels. It represents a direct boost to community water conservation efforts.
In Sector 39, irrigation for three parks will be managed through a micro sewage treatment plant. Any surplus treated water from this unit is proposed for diversion to a park near the Sector 39 market. This ensures optimal reuse of every drop.
Official Statements on Water Conservation
MCG Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya commented on the initiative. He stated, "This project reflects our focus on long-term water conservation. Laying a dedicated pipeline for treated water is a practical step. It protects our drinking water resources while maintaining our vital green spaces."
Dahiya added that similar models could potentially be replicated in other parts of Gurgaon in the future.
A Step Towards Sustainable Urban Management
Officials noted that once fully approved and implemented, the project marks a key step forward. It advances sustainable urban infrastructure and improves overall water management in the rapidly growing city.
National Context and Revenue Generation
Across India, many municipal corporations are now exploring revenue generation from treated sewage water. For instance, the city of Surat has established a successful model. It sells treated wastewater to its massive textile industry.
Surat operates three major sewage treatment plants with capacities of 40 MLD, 35 MLD, and 40 MLD. Approximately 115 million liters per day (MLD) of treated water is sold to industries. This initiative generates substantial revenue, reportedly around Rs 140 crore annually for the city.
Surat currently reuses about 33% of its treated water. The city has set ambitious targets to increase this reuse to 70% by 2030 and achieve 100% reuse by 2035.
Gurgaon's Position and Recent Scrutiny
In comparison, MCG does not currently generate any revenue from selling treated water. The corporation recently faced scrutiny over gaps in its wastewater treatment and sewerage infrastructure.
A recent review meeting by the Haryana Urban Local Bodies (ULB) department flagged serious concerns. Following this, MCG received directives to urgently assess its existing wastewater treatment capacity. The corporation must also identify deficiencies in its STPs and sewerage lines.
This new pipeline project, therefore, arrives at a critical time. It addresses both conservation needs and infrastructure improvements highlighted by state authorities.
