Nagpur, the second capital of Maharashtra, is one of the fastest growing cities in India, with a high per capita income. It is one of the mission cities under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

According to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), the population of the city is 23,50,000 (2004), with a density of 10,802 person/sq km. The estimated sewage generated by the city is around 380 mld (80% of present water supply of 470 mld). Out of the total generated sewage, only 100 mld is being treated through a secondary treatment plant, which is located in the Central Zone, and the remaining sewage water is let out in the natural course without any treatment.

As per the data available with NMC, the water demand has increased by 35% in the last 10 years. Projections suggest that even with the augmented capacity of water supply infrastructure (proposed under various projects), Nagpur will become a water-stressed region due to the natural increase in demand and additional demand from the proposed economic activities within and outside the limits of NMC.

To encourage the use of treated water for industrial and irrigation purposes and to reduce the demand stress from fresh water sources, the GoM has selected Nagpur for a pilot project for water reuse. For the purpose, United State Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing technical assistance under the Water and Energy Nexus Project (WENEXA-II). Under the project, potential consumers have been identified, the demand has been calculated, and the levels of treatment have been determined based on the requirement of consumers.
For active participation of stakeholders, a number of activities, such as meetings, group discussions and consumer meetings, have been organised for scope refinement and task allocation. A survey has been done, and based on the finding, options have been derived. Stakeholder consultations have been organised and various issues such as technology, cost and finance have been discussed. Through this consultative process, a DPR was prepared and the draft has been kept for comments and reviews for a stipulated time.

Along with the above-mentioned activities, an exposure visit for potential consumers has been organised to Pragati Power Plant, Delhi, which uses treated sewage for all applications. A 'Statement Of Support', jointly signed by various ministries of GoM like Urban Development, Water Supply and Sanitation, Environment, Water Resource and NMC, was issued.

Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MahaGenco) and other major consumers have given consent to use the treated water for non-potable applications, and a Memorandum Of Agreement (MoA) has been signed between NMC and MahaGenco.
The project will significantly reduce the burden of fresh water sources, and Nagpur will be a water surplus region. At the same time, MahaGenco will pay raw sewage charges to NMC. It is estimated that this will generate an additional revenue of Rs. 4.50 to 6.00 crore for NMC.
As a result, there will additional water for industrial and agricultural use. In this case, MahaGenco assures the regular demand and would be responsible for O&M of STP so MahaGenco will be obligated for maintaining the quality that suits the requirement of its thermal plant. At the same time, NMC will receive raw sewage charges, which will assure regular supply.

Most major Indian cities are surrounded by industrial as well as agricultural fields. Such a project provides very good opportunities for the reuse of wastewater so cities can reduce the burden of their sources of fresh water.