Water utilities in India face various challenges such as water theft, leakages and revenue loss due to a lack of proper monitoring and outdated infrastructure. To address this, technology is emerging as a key focus area in the water sector. Digital solutions are being employed across segments such as urban drinking water, wastewater and rural water to aid smart measurement, network monitoring, non-revenue water (NRW) reduction and leakage detection.
Recognising this, the government has prioritised technology integration in its schemes. By leveraging digital automation initiatives, it seeks to streamline water distribution, enhance water quality monitoring, optimise revenue generation, and establish robust operation and maintenance protocols. Transitioning to digital control mechanisms promises more efficient, transparent and accountable water supply systems, ensuring equitable access to clean water as well as enhancing sustainability and resilience.
Budget allocation
In the recent interim financial budget 2024-25, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has received an allocation of Rs 775.23 billion. The allocation is 11.91 per cent higher than the revised estimate of Rs 692.7 billion for 2023-24. Of the total allocation, the outlay for the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) (Urban) is Rs 50 billion, around 96.08 per cent higher than the revised estimate of Rs 25.5 billion for 2023-24. Meanwhile, an allocation of Rs 104 billion each has been earmarked for the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) programme and the Smart Cities Mission (SCM). Meanwhile, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has received an allocation of Rs 984.18 billion, which is 1.93 per cent higher than the revised estimate of Rs 965.48 billion for 2023-24. Of the total allocation, an outlay of Rs 699.26 has been made for the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)/National Rural Drinking Water Mission, while Rs 71.92 billion has been earmarked under the SBM (Gramin).
Government schemes
JJM
The JJM is a transformative initiative aimed at ensuring access to safe and reliable drinking water for every rural household in India through individual tap connections by 2024. It focuses on providing water and emphasising sustainable practices such as greywater management, water conservation and rainwater harvesting to ensure the long-term availability of clean water sources.
To effectively implement and monitor the progress of the JJM, eight digital platforms have been developed. These platforms include the JJM Integrated Management Information System (IMIS), the JJM dashboard, the JJM Water Quality Management Information System, an internet of things platform, a mobile application and analytical tools, a public finance management system, the JJM website and the Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh portal.
As of April 3, 2024, more than 146.2 million (75.8 per cent) households have received tap water supply, out of a total of 192.7 million rural households, under the mission. The Har Ghal Jal status, under the mission, has been achieved by Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Puducherry.
AMRUT
AMRUT is another initiative of the government aimed at enhancing the living standard of citizens, particularly the marginalised, by providing essential services such as water supply, sewerage and urban transport, and developing urban amenities.
AMRUT adopts cutting-edge technologies such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), geographic information system-based master plans, district metered areas and automated building permissions to upgrade water infrastructure across 500 cities in India. As of December 2023, approximately 70 per cent of urban households have been connected to piped water supply under this programme, representing a notable increase from 54.5 per cent in 2018.
Many states are undertaking digital initiatives under AMRUT to curb water wastage. For instance, Jammu & Kashmir has initiated the implementation of 24×7 water supply projects under AMRUT 2.0. This project entails 100 per cent consumer metering, with each meter being GIS tagged, along with tariffs based on volumetric consumption. Bulk meters will be installed at suitable locations to reduce NRW. Moreover, all bulk meters will be integrated with the SCADA system for efficient monitoring. For commercial, industrial and high-rise residential complexes, plans are in place to install automatic meter reading meters, ensuring accurate and efficient water consumption tracking.
SCM
The SCM is aimed at developing 100 smart cities across India by integrating innovative solutions to provide essential infrastructure and foster sustainable and inclusive urban growth. A key aspect of the mission is the establishment of smart water networks, which are designed to revolutionise water management by incorporating five distinct layers. These layers encompass essential components for water delivery, sensing and control mechanisms, data collection and communication, data management and display, as well as data fusion and analysis.
As of March 2024, significant strides have been made in the implementation of projects under the water, sanitation and hygiene component, with completed projects amounting to Rs 420.85 million and ongoing projects valued at Rs 88.06 billion. These projects are providing impetus towards modernising water infrastructure and enhancing water resource management in urban areas.
For instance, the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh is undertaking a project for the upgradation of the Kajauli Waterworks as part of the 24X7 Manimajra water supply project. The project, being carried out under SCM, aims to install 13,700 smart meters, lay 20 km of new pipelines and implement automated monitoring systems. This initiative represents a significant leap forward in leveraging advanced technology to ensure efficient and sustainable water supply management in Chandigarh.
NMCG
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), also known as the Namami Gange Programme, is an initiative harnessing advanced methodologies, including real-time water quality monitoring and geospatial analysis for pollution mapping, to effectively address pollution in the Ganga river. To ensure optimal performance, wastewater treatment plants are being equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Further, the programme leverages digital platforms to engage the public, fostering awareness of and participation in endeavours aimed at sustaining water quality and ecological balance. As of February 2024, the NMCG has undertaken 200 sewage infrastructure-related projects worth around Rs 313 billion. Of these, 116 have been successfully completed.
Other initiatives
To ensure equitable access to safe drinking water, a noteworthy technological advancement in water purification, called “AMRIT” (Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology), developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, is being endorsed by the standing committee of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. This innovative solution utilises nano-scale iron oxy hydroxide to effectively remove arsenic from water, demonstrating its efficacy at both the domestic and community levels.
Conclusion
Technology-driven solutions are pivotal in India’s major water schemes, ensuring water security, resource efficiency and sustainable development. From rural tap connections to smart city water networks, innovative approaches drive progress. These initiatives underscore the nation’s commitment to equitable access to safe water and environmental preservation.
In sum, the comprehensive government initiatives underscore India’s proactive approach towards water security and sustainable development. By leveraging technology-driven solutions, these initiatives aim to ensure equitable access to safe water, enhance resource efficiency and mitigate environmental challenges. Through continued collaboration, investment and technological advancement, India is poised to achieve significant strides in water management, fostering a future where clean water is accessible to all while safeguarding the environment for future generations.