The Indian government in June 2015 initiated “Smart Cities Mission”. However, with growing numbers of people moving from rural areas in search of economic growth and higher living standards to urban areas, the pattern of resource usage is rapidly unbalanced. The main structures of smart cities, including transport, municipal services, education, public safety and health, have a profound impact on quality of life and community growth. Water therefore needs a strategic priority to ensure clean water supply for all as a key part of public health and safety.
Key challenges
Urban planning departments face a diverse set of challenges in a densely populated and widespread country like India. In addition, millions of liters of wastewater reach rivers and other water bodies every day, just a small portion of it is treated properly. This is a huge challenge that makes the water problem more complicated and impacting freshwater supply. The current scenario underlines the need for a concentrated, long-term strategic plan for water management in India.
Planning factors
During design and implementation of smart water and wastewater management systems, a range of factors must be considered. The strategy needs to be systematic and flexible to tackle today’s particular problems while planning for tomorrow’s needs and contingencies.
- Optimal resource utilization
- Demand projections
- Climate change impact
- Reusing and recycling
- Sustainable & energy efficient technologies
Presently, we are witnessing regular sanitization drives in industries, offices and homes, and increased hand-washing practice. A family of five needs approx. 100-200 liters of water daily only to wash hands. This would result in the generation of around 200 liters of wastewater per day, which amounts to approx. 20 percent increase in water demand and generation of wastewater. Therefore it is critical to consume water carefully and sensibly during these times.
Smart technologies
These include –
- Intelligent pumping systems
- Remote access for management and monitoring system
- Advanced & Efficient wastewater treatment and it’s monitoring
- Rainwater harvesting system
This situation provides players with opportunity to contribute creative water and wastewater management products and solutions in India and represent the industry’s rising business potential. In order to ensure successful implementation and management of water solutions, reward-based systems must be implemented to promote and facilitate the use of intelligent water management solutions. This will help to ensure that Indian water sources are secured and accessible to future generations.