Wastewater Management Technologies and Water Pollution Control Laws in India: A Critical Legal Study

“Pollution is nothing but the resources we are not harvesting. We allow them to disperse because we’ve been ignorant of their value.” – R. Buckminster Fuller As India becomes increasingly urbanised, industrialised, and populous, the volume of wastewater generated continues to rise. The discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment has emerged as a significant contributor to water contamination. This adversely affects human health, biodiversity, and environmental equilibrium. Despite the availability of numerous technical solutions, a robust legal and regulatory framework remains essential in this instance. As per the United Nations. According to the Wastewater Assessment Programme, just 20% of global wastewater is treated. The CPCB's 2021 study indicates that India's wastewater and sewage treatment capacity exceeds the global average of around 20%. Despite the existence of regulations such as the Water Act of 1974 and the EPA of 1986, over 62% of urban sewage remains untreated. The Pollution Control Boards (CPCB/SPCBs) have inadequately fulfilled their responsibilities, and amendments to the Water Act of 1974 in 2024 have resulted in numerous legal complications in this domain. Despite the endorsement of natural treatment systems (NTSs) and reuse by the 2021 National Framework, significant challenges persist regarding infrastructure, funding, and maintenance. The existing laws and regulations are insufficient due to the severity of the issue. We must implement contemporary wastewater management methods and stringent regulations to mitigate water contamination and address this issue.