Is Noida Authority Treating 260 Million Litres of Wastewater Daily, Yet Only Reusing 86 MLD?
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Synopsis
The Noida Authority has revealed to the NGT that while it treats 260 million litres of wastewater each day, only 86 million litres are being reused, leading to concerns over environmental practices. This situation raises critical questions about water management and sustainability in the region.
Key Takeaways
- The Noida Authority treats 260 million litres of wastewater daily.
- Only 86 million litres are currently reused.
- 174 million litres are discharged into drains.
- Future plans indicate only 120 million litres will be utilized by mid-2026.
- Efforts are underway to enhance water reuse.
New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) The New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida Authority) has reported to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it is treating approximately 260 million litres per day (MLD) of wastewater through its sewage treatment plants (STPs), yet only around 86 MLD is being reused. The remainder is primarily discharged into drains. This information was disclosed in an affidavit submitted in a suo motu case initiated by the NGT following a media report accusing the Noida Authority of improperly dumping treated water into drains instead of utilizing it for irrigation.
The Noida Authority detailed the operation of eight STPs, explaining that the treated water is predominantly reused for parks, green belts, and wetlands, and is also available for construction projects at reduced rates upon request.
Additionally, it is provided free to various departments for purposes such as horticulture, firefighting, and sprinkling.
The affidavit indicated that out of the 260 MLD treated daily, 174 MLD is still being released into drains.
The NGT previously highlighted that according to the Noida Authority’s own forecasts, less than 50 percent of the treated water is expected to be utilized by the second quarter of 2026.
In a decision made in May 2025, the tribunal noted that “the Noida Authority is currently generating 260 MLD of STP-treated water and will only be able to utilize 120 MLD by the second quarter of 2026, indicating that even 50 percent of the STP-treated water will not be used as per the current plan.”
In its recent affidavit, the Noida Authority presented sample analysis reports for October and November 2025, asserting that the quality of treated water complies with the established standards. It also mentioned that reuse will be progressively enhanced, with pipeline projects in progress to connect STPs in Sectors 123 and 168 to neighboring sectors.
Furthermore, the Noida Authority indicated that 80 MLD of treated water is designated for supply to NTPC Dadri, per a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2018.
Referring to a previous NGT directive, it stated that this quantity cannot be redirected elsewhere as it must be supplied to NTPC, though this matter is currently under review due to NTPC's request for recall on various grounds.
Point of View
I observe that the Noida Authority's struggle with wastewater management reflects broader challenges in urban sustainability. While the treatment of 260 million litres daily is commendable, the need for enhanced reuse practices is critical for environmental health and resource management.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much wastewater does the Noida Authority treat daily?
The Noida Authority treats approximately 260 million litres of wastewater each day.
What percentage of treated wastewater is reused?
Currently, only around 86 million litres, or approximately 33%, of the treated wastewater is being reused.
What is the planned utilization of treated water by 2026?
The Noida Authority projects that by the second quarter of 2026, only about 120 million litres of treated wastewater will be utilized.
Where is the treated water primarily reused?
The treated water is mainly reused for parks, green belts, wetlands, and is available for construction activities.
Why can't the 80 MLD of water be redirected from NTPC?
This quantity is earmarked for NTPC Dadri as per a memorandum of understanding and cannot be diverted elsewhere.
