Even after treating all its sewage, Noida is struggling to put clean water to use. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed serious concern after the Noida Authority admitted that only one-third of the city’s treated sewage water is being reused, while the remaining volume continues to be discharged into drains.
In an affidavit submitted to the Tribunal, the Noida Authority revealed that its eight sewage treatment plants (STPs) collectively treat 260 million litres per day (MLD) of wastewater. However, just 86 MLD is currently reused, leaving 174 MLD flowing back into drains, raising questions over water management and sustainability in the fast-growing NCR city.
Reuse Plans Fail to Impress Tribunal
The NGT had earlier flagged the issue in May 2025, expecting a concrete roadmap to boost reuse of treated water. However, the Authority’s latest projections have failed to satisfy the Tribunal. Even if future targets are met, reuse is expected to reach only around 46%, which experts say is far from adequate.
According to the Authority, treated water is currently reused for:
●Park and garden irrigation
●Wetland maintenance
●Construction activities
●Horticulture
●Firefighting needs
Despite these uses, a large volume of clean, treated water remains untapped.
Missed Targets and Slow Progress
The Noida Authority had earlier committed to increasing reuse by 42 MLD in phases—20 MLD by December 2025 and another 22 MLD by mid-2026. However, only 8 MLD of additional reuse has begun so far.
Even by the second quarter of 2026, total reuse is projected to rise to just 120 MLD, meaning nearly half of treated sewage will still be wasted, as noted by the NGT in its earlier order.
Environmental Concerns Grow
Environmental activists warn that discharging treated water into drains is a missed opportunity, especially when cities across India are facing acute water stress. “Even if all projections are achieved, about 140 MLD of treated water will still end up in drains,” said a Noida-based environmental activist, calling it a case of policy inertia.
Next Hearing on February 5
The NGT has scheduled the next hearing for February 5, where it is expected to seek clearer accountability and stronger enforcement from the Noida Authority.
As Noida continues to expand rapidly, the case highlights a larger urban challenge—treating water is not enough; using it wisely is the real test.
