Bengaluru: Minor Irrigation Minister T.B. Jayachandra has called for an increase in the use of treated waste water to tide over water crisis, river pollution and even reduce water borne diseases.
While addressing a gathering at the inaugural function of International conference and Exhibition on Best Practices in ‘Sustainable Water, Wastewater and Energy Management’, at IISC here on Wednesday the Minister said, “There is a need to promote eco-toilets to conserve energy and water, to use by products such as human manure and urine for agriculture.”
“India's ecological footprint is diminishing. It is 0.6 hectares per capita, that does not sustain natural resources such as water, good quality air, fertile soil and place to live,” he added. While stressing on the importance of using treated waste water, he pointed out that the total wastewater generated in the country was 70,000 million litres per day, of which only 25-30% was being treated. Nearly 70% of diseases are caused due to the untreated domestic wastewater, he added.
He said the Bengaluru was a trendsetter in recycling wastewater after tertiary treatment, which has now been emulated by Chennai, Hyderabad and New Delhi. He mentioned a list of best energy practices as solutions that included Mass Rapid Transport System, better fuel quality, energy efficiency, exploit alternative sources of energy and eco-friendly approaches wherever possible.
