Patna: The urban development and housing department (UDHD) is formulating a comprehensive ‘water reuse policy’ to promote the use of treated sewage water for non-potable purposes across Bihar. On a pilot basis, Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (Buidco) is set to roll out the plan this summer in Patna by diverting treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants (STPs) for greenery, irrigation, road washing and other civic uses instead of discharging it into the Ganga.Buidco managing director Animesh Kumar Parashar said that while the broader policy is under preparation, the corporation is prioritising immediate and practical steps in Patna to demonstrate effective reuse of treated water. He pointed to two functional STPs located along Patna’s Marine Drive (Loknayak Ganga Path) near LCT Ghat — the Digha STP with a capacity of 100 MLD and the Danapur STP with a capacity of 25 MLD.Explaining the initiative, Parashar said the plan focuses on diverting treated water away from direct discharge into the Ganga and channelling it through a dedicated network for productive uses. The water will be used for irrigation, plantation, road washing and sprinkling, with hydrant facilities proposed to load tankers for areas where pipelines cannot be laid immediately.“There are two options — creating a pipeline network, which is easier given the short distance between the plants, or setting up hydrant facilities for longer distances,” he said. “This will not be limited to greenery along Marine Drive but will also cater to other parts of the city where green cover and related works are required.”Buidco MD said the treated water meets the required standards for non-potable use and will help conserve groundwater otherwise extracted through borewells, while supporting urban beautification and environmental objectives under the Namami Gange programme.Implementation details of the pilot project, including pipeline routes, hydrant points and coverage areas, are being finalised. The corporation aims to begin its implementation as soon as the network is ready. Efforts are on to launch the system this summer to maximise benefits during the dry months when water demand for irrigation and greenery is high, he said.Buidco currently operates 19 functional STPs across Bihar, including 13 in Patna district at locations such as Mokama, Barh, Bakhtiyarpur and Fatuha. Other plants are in Munger, Chhapra, Bhagalpur, Begusarai and Hajipur. Nine STPs are under construction in Jamui, Supaul, Rohtas, Raxaul and Motihari, while five are at the bidding stage. At present, treated water from functional STPs is being discharged into the Ganga.
