Assessing wastewater management challenges in developing countries: a case study of India, current status and future scope

In light of the immense pressure population increase and urbanization are putting on freshwater resources, wastewater recycling and reuse have received more attention in recent years. However, in most developing countries, the available infrastructure is not adequate for efficient wastewater recycling and reuse. In this study, the Indian wastewater scenario was assessed in depth to elicit insights into managing wastewater challenges in developing countries. Sewage generation increased proportionately with the increasing urban population for the last 2 decades in India. The treatment capacity, however, could not keep pace with sewage generation, and currently, only 50% of urban sewage is being treated through centralized facilities. The same is the case with most prominent developing nations. Additionally, data show that the number of non-operational plants is increasing. The compliance rate of existing treatment facilities is meager in most Indian states, making the reuse of wastewater harder. Most other developing countries are likely to be operating under similar conditions. Having identified challenges in wastewater management for developing countries, this study further discusses some data gaps that need attention and the importance of closing these knowledge gaps in the context of decentralized treatment and reuse of wastewater. Furthermore, it discusses interventions and recommendations that can help overcome the identified challenges.