At The Hindu Sustainability Summit 2026 held in Chennai on September 23, experts and corporate leaders emphasized the need to treat wastewater as a valuable economic resource. The summit, focusing on 'Reimagining Water Management for a Circular Future, ' brought together key figures from the oil industry and academia to discuss innovative water management strategies.
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) has been at the forefront of this shift since the city's severe water crisis in 1980. The crisis prompted CPCL to adopt a strategy centered on reducing, reusing, and recycling water. CPCL has optimized its water usage, diverting water to processing units and maximizing reuse capabilities. Additionally, the company produces 480 tonnes of steam as part of its recycling efforts.
Another major player, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), is also transforming its operations to minimize water consumption. Mukesh Mohan, IOCL's executive director, highlighted the challenges faced by inland refineries in reducing their water footprint. He revealed that IOCL recycles nearly 90% to 91% of its wastewater and is exploring the use of treated water from sewage treatment plants (STPs) to replace fresh water in process units. This initiative is being planned for cities like Vadodara and Guwahati, as well as refineries in Mathura and Panipat. Mohan emphasized the need for municipal support and well-designed STPs to treat wastewater from both households and industrial units.
Rajiv Mittal, chairman and managing director of VA TECH WABAG Limited, challenged the perception that desalination is prohibitively expensive. He argued that the key to effective water management lies in treating wastewater as an economic asset. By doing so, he believes people will be more inclined to collect, treat, and generate wealth from it, rather than discarding it.
In the realm of academia, Rajesh Nair, a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, discussed the potential of geothermal energy derived from depleted oil and gas wells. He also stressed the importance of assessing groundwater quality and establishing different grades. Nair advocated for the integration of data and digital analysis to monitor groundwater conditions over time, emphasizing the role of Internet of Things (IoT) and AI-based solutions in effective water management.
Nair underscored the need for a centralized platform or body to provide clear guidance on water usage, recharge levels, and conservation strategies. He highlighted the importance of conserving wetlands and integrating data to manage water resources more efficiently.
The summit's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for innovative approaches to water management in India. By treating wastewater as an economic resource, strides can be made in addressing the country's water challenges.
