Investigating Study on “Used Water Management under SBM - U 2.0”- A Review

Abstract

Used water management has emerged as a pivotal component in achieving sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure, particularly in the context of India’s rapidly growing cities. With the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, the Government of India has intensified efforts to promote effective wastewater management, emphasizing treatment, reuse, and resource recovery as central objectives. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the current practices, technological advancements, and policy frameworks associated with used water management under SBM-U 2.0. The study explores various treatment methodologies including decentralized wastewater treatment systems, faecal sludge treatment plants, and the promotion of non-sewered sanitation solutions, assessing their implementation efficiency across diverse urban settlements. Key challenges such as infrastructure deficits, financial constraints, lack of public awareness, and institutional bottlenecks are critically examined to understand their impact on program success. The paper also evaluates government interventions, private sector participation, and community engagement in strengthening urban sanitation value chains. Furthermore, several case studies from different Indian states are reviewed to highlight best practices, scalable models, and lessons learned in used water recycling and reuse for non-potable applications like landscaping, agriculture, and industrial processes. The findings indicate that while SBM-U 2.0 has laid a strategic foundation for urban wastewater management, the translation of policy into action requires integrated planning, enhanced governance, and capacity-building at all levels. This review concludes by identifying potential areas for innovation and future research, emphasizing the need for a holistic, data-driven, and inclusive approach to achieve the mission’s long-term goals.

Introduction

India faces severe urban water challenges due to rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and population increase, leading to water scarcity and pollution. Efficient wastewater management is critical to protect public health and the environment, yet only about 37% of sewage is treated in India, with many treatment plants underperforming. The Government of India launched the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0 in 2021 to improve wastewater treatment infrastructure, promote scientific and decentralized approaches, and encourage reuse of treated water.

The literature highlights the growing importance of decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS), especially in peri-urban and rural areas, for their cost-effectiveness and adaptability. Among emerging technologies, Phytorid technology, a constructed wetland system using plants like Iris pseudacorus, shows high efficiency in treating domestic wastewater by natural filtration and microbial processes. It offers an eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient alternative to conventional treatment plants, which often face operational challenges such as power failures and high costs.

While promising, Phytorid systems require further research to optimize performance, scalability, and integration into urban infrastructure. Overall, sustainable wastewater management in India depends on adopting innovative, decentralized solutions aligned with government policies and enhancing enforcement and coordination among stakeholders.

Conclusion

Used water management is a crucial component of urban sanitation, and SBM-U 2.0 has introduced various measures to address wastewater treatment and reuse. While significant progress has been made, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and lack of public awareness persist. Future efforts should focus on enhancing technological adoption, policy integration, and community participation to ensure effective and sustainable wastewater management in urban India.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Miss. Mayuri Kanzode , Prof. Nakul Shenode . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.