'Jal Hi Amrit' (JHA) Initiative Under Amrut 2.0

• The 'Jal Hi Amrit' initiative was introduced as part of the government's 100-day agenda under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0). 
• This initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring sustainable urban water management by promoting efficient water reuse and high-quality wastewater treatment.

About Jal Hi Amrit (JHA)

• Background: Building on the success of AMRUT 1.0, this second phase aims to create "Water-Secure Cities" by enhancing wastewater management and promoting water reuse.
• Objectives:
  • Incentivize States and Union Territories (UTs) for efficient management of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), also termed Used Water Treatment Plants (UWTPs).
  • Ensure the production of high-quality treated water suitable for recycling and reuse.
  • Promote a circular economy of water by enabling the reuse of treated water for various purposes like construction, industry, and irrigation.
• Purpose: Foster inter-city competition, build treatment facility capacities, and incentivize high-quality treated water discharge through systematic improvements.
• Strategy: Implement a rating-based incentive system where UWTPs are awarded Clean Water Credits through a Star Rating system, ranging from 3 to 5 stars. Incentives are provided to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)/Parastatal agencies based on a comprehensive evaluation process.

About AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation)

About Water Recycling & Reuse

• Water reuse, also known as water recycling, refers to the process of collecting used or wastewater, treating it, and using it again for beneficial purposes.
• This helps to conserve freshwater resources and reduce water pollution.

Potential Sources for Water Reuse

• Municipal Wastewater:
• Wastewater generated from homes, offices, and commercial buildings after use in toilets, kitchens, and sinks can be treated and reused.
• Industrial Process and Cooling Water:
• Water used in factories for cooling or other processes can be reclaimed, treated, and used again, especially in the same industry.
• Stormwater:
• Rainwater that runs off roads, rooftops, and other surfaces can be collected, filtered, and reused.
• Agricultural Runoff and Return Flows:
• Excess water from irrigation fields, which carries nutrients and soil, can be treated and reused for agricultural purposes.

Applications of Recycled Water

• Agricultural Irrigation:
  • Treated wastewater can be used to water crops, reducing the pressure on freshwater resources used in farming.
• Industrial Cooling:
  • Industries can reuse treated water for cooling machinery or other non-contact uses.
• Landscape Irrigation:
  • Parks, gardens, and green belts in urban areas can be watered using recycled water.
• Groundwater Recharge:
  • Treated water can be directed into the ground to replenish depleted aquifers, improving groundwater levels.
• Non-potable Urban Uses:
  • Recycled water can be used for toilet flushing, construction, road cleaning, and fire fighting, where potable (drinking) water is not required.

Benefits of Water Recycling

• Reduces the Demand for Freshwater:
• Reusing water helps reduce the dependency on rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources.
• Minimizes Water Pollution:
• Less untreated water is discharged into the environment, which reduces pollution in water bodies.
• Supports Sustainable Urban Development:
• Recycling water helps cities become more self-reliant and resilient in water supply.
• Environmental Protection:
• It contributes to ecosystem health by preventing over-extraction of water from natural sources.

Global Example: Singapore's NEWater

• Singapore's NEWater initiative focuses on producing high-quality reclaimed wastewater by using advanced membrane technologies such as microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet disinfection.
• Currently, NEWater meets about 40% of Singapore's total water demand, serving industries and contributing to potable water supplies after further treatment. 
• The government plans to increase this share to 55% by the year 2060, aiming for greater water sustainability and security.

Relevance to India

• India can learn valuable lessons from Singapore’s approach in:
• Developing innovative and advanced wastewater treatment technologies.
• Implementing efficient water reuse systems that reduce freshwater dependency.
• Upgrading existing water infrastructure for better treatment and recycling.
• Encouraging policies that promote circular water economy and sustainability.
• Such measures could help India address its water scarcity challenges while improving urban water management.