Extent of wastewater irrigation in Gujarat, an Indian scenario by Alka Palrecha
Channel: IndiaWater Portal
Date: 2013-02-21

In this talk presented at the IWMI-TATA Annual Partners' meet at Anand, Gujarat in November 2012, Alka Palrecha presents information on the use of wastewater for irrigation, along with the water supply and sanitation status in major cities of Gujarat. Both treated and untreated sewage is discharged into rivers. Throughout the country, farmers living downstream of cities use this for irrigation, and describe it as 'sewage farming'. The talk takes a detailed look at wastewater irrigation including the extent of irrigation, existing institutionalization, and pros and cons. Considering the popularity -and inevitable nature- of this practice, it is necessary to stop ignoring it. Incorporation of farmers' needs in the design of STPs and also of taking cognizance of any possible health hazards is necessary now and will be even more so in the near future. 
For more about the meet, visit here: http://www.indiawaterportal.org/iwmi-tata-apm-2012