Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – The state of Uttar Pradesh has reported significant advancements in its integrated water management efforts, leading to a notable reduction in over-exploited groundwater units and an increase in safe block units. These developments contribute substantially to the state’s progress towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Groundwater Status Shows Marked Improvement
According to recent assessments covering the period from 2017 to 2025, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a considerable decrease in the number of over-exploited groundwater assessment blocks, reducing from 82 to 44. Concurrently, the number of safe block units has seen a gradual increase, rising from 540 in 2017 to 563 in 2025. These statistics, highlighted in the Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2025, underscore the effectiveness of the state’s strategic initiatives in managing groundwater stress and enhancing water resource availability.
Comprehensive Water Conservation and Augmentation Efforts
The state’s progress is attributed to a multi-pronged approach that includes extensive watershed development across 1,438,177 micro-watershed areas. Furthermore, an intensive afforestation drive has seen the plantation of approximately 10.8 crore trees. The construction of 16,630 Amrit Sarovars (water bodies) has also played a crucial role in augmenting groundwater resources. The Minor Irrigation Department has further bolstered these efforts by constructing 6,627 check dams and 1,417 ponds, specifically aimed at addressing water scarcity in rural areas. These collective actions have led to an increase in total annual groundwater recharge, from 69.91 billion cubic meters (BCM) in 2017 to 73.39 BCM in 2025.
Ambitious Policies for Wastewater Reuse
In parallel, Uttar Pradesh has made strides in wastewater management with the approval of the Safe Reuse of Treated Water Policy, 2026. This policy sets ambitious targets for reusing treated wastewater, aiming for 50 percent safe reuse by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035. The policy outlines a phased roadmap to address water scarcity and river pollution by promoting a circular water economy. The initial phase, running until 2030, focuses on areas with operational sewage treatment plants (STPs), targeting 50 percent reuse, with a subsequent phase aiming for 100 percent reuse in these areas. For regions lacking adequate STP infrastructure, the policy targets 30 percent reuse by 2030, with gradual increases to 50 percent by 2035 and full utilization by 2045. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on freshwater sources and curb excessive groundwater extraction. Projects in Prayagraj and Agra are already in motion, focusing on the reuse of treated water in sectors such as agriculture, industry, construction, and urban landscaping.
Strengthening Sewerage Infrastructure for River Rejuvenation
The state is also enhancing its sewerage systems to prevent river pollution, particularly under the Namami Gange Mission Phase-2. Uttar Pradesh is rapidly progressing towards national Ganga cleanliness targets, with 152 STPs currently operational. Significant investments are being made in sewerage infrastructure, including the completion of several sewage treatment projects and the ongoing development of others, with comprehensive action plans in the pipeline for major cities like Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, and Lucknow. These projects ensure the scientific treatment of urban wastewater before discharge, contributing to improved water quality in rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna.
Broader Environmental Initiatives
Beyond water management, Uttar Pradesh is championing a ‘Green Renaissance,’ integrating growth with nature through initiatives focused on villages, agriculture, and local communities. Large-scale soil conservation and water harvesting projects have enhanced rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. The state has also prioritized the protection of wetlands and biodiversity, with 12 important wetlands declared as Ramsar Sites, including the Surahatal Bird Sanctuary, the country’s 100th Ramsar Site. These efforts not only protect ecosystems but also ensure water security and safeguard livelihoods. The state’s climate-resilient development strategy, outlined in the Uttar Pradesh State Action Plan on Climate Change 2021–2030, further demonstrates a commitment to balancing economic progress with environmental sustainability.
The Chenab Times News Desk