Maharashtra mulls use of recycled water by industries

Many industrial units are facing huge water shortage

The Maharashtra government, faced with drought conditions in large parts of the state, might compel the use of recycled water by industrial units.

Industries minister Subhash Desai told this newspaper, "The industries department has initiated a study in this regard, for industries around big cities like Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli and those in industrial estates set up by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). Sewage water can be recycled.''

Water scarcity would be an issue in the future, too, he said. Recycled water would be the best option.

“Fertilider units, for example, need water to run boilers. They can use recycled water instead of natural water,” he said. “A scheme can be developed on the lines of common effluent treatment plants, with participation of MIDC. It could be developed on a public-private participation model.”

There are about 230 industrial estates run by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, having 100,000 units. Many of these are presently facing a big shortage for their water need.

For those in MIDC-run estates, said the minister, digging of borewells would be permitted.

Photograph: Lucy Nicholson/Reuters