GMDA CEO directs STP works to be completed in 18 months, 100 percent usage of tertiary water

The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has issued a stringent 18-month deadline for the completion of all under-construction sewage treatment plant (STP) and mandated 100% utilization of tertiary treated water within the next six months. The directive, issued by GMDA CEO PC Meena in a recent review meeting, aims to curb severe water scarcity and pollution in Gurugram, preventing any treated water from being diverted into drains. This aggressive timeline underscores a heightened governmental push to address the region's critical environmental and urban development challenges. The mandate arrives amidst Gurugram escalating water crisis, with the city classified as a 'dark zone' due to groundwater extraction nearly double its replenishment rate. Despite 12 operational STP with a combined capacity of 415 Million Liters Per Day (MLD), approximately 287 MLD of untreated sewage bypasses formal networks, flowing directly into drains and ultimately polluting the Yamuna River. This current directive builds on previous efforts, including calls from Union Home Minister Amit Shah for accelerated execution of the Yamuna Rejuvenation Project, and highlights persistent gaps in the city's water infrastructure and management. Looking ahead, GMDA officials face immense pressure to meet the August 2027 completion target for major STP upgradation projects at Behrampur and Dhanwapur, which will add 165 MLD of treated water capacity. The authority is also developing new STP across Gurugram and exploring innovative uses for tertiary treated water, including firefighting operations, to maximize reuse and reduce reliance on freshwater sources. Success hinges on rigorous enforcement and the development of robust distribution infrastructure to ensure every drop of treated wastewater is repurposed, setting a potential model for sustainable urban water management in India.