IISER MOHALI

Abstract: India is currently facing severe water stress, with over 80% of its renewable water resources being utilized for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. At the same time, the country is rapidly urbanizing, with projections estimating that by 2036, around 40% of the population will live in cities. Water is a vital resource for our urban hubs, both for the well-being of the dense population and the health of the surrounding environment. In view of these challenges, a shift from the traditional linear "take, use, and dispose" approach to a more sustainable circular model of "reduce, reuse, and recycle" is crucial. A circular water economy focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing efficient use of water through its entire lifecycle.

This talk will address the relevance of circular water economy for urban India, discuss the progress made with key examples, the challenges encountered and the potential way forward to build a more sustainable urban water eco-system.