India’s rapid urbanisation has made sewage management a complex process. A 2021 report states, Class I cities and Class II towns collectively generate an estimated 29129 MLD sewage. However, existing STP (Sewage Treatment) capacity is a mere 6190 MLD, leaving a significant gap of 78.7%.

The CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) report shows the concerning reality. A mere 13.5% utilization of existing STPs (Sewage Treatment Plants), highlighting the dismal state and significant contribution to environmental pollution.
For the government, this crisis demands urgent attention and meticulous planning for continuous capacity upgrades in severely polluted cities and towns. The report recommends specific sewage treatment technologies and innovative solutions, stressing on the importance of operational economy and minimal land usage, like the anaerobic-sludge-blanket reactor and coagulant-aided tertiary sedimentation.
However, the limitations and challenges outlined in the report highlight the inefficiency of the current CAPEX model. Government bodies face constraints in swift upgrades, technological advancements, and operational cost-efficiency.
An STP Solution
This is where Unison provides a compelling solution. A flexible, innovative wastewater treatment solution aligned with population growth and addressing the urgent need for sewage treatment capacity upgrades. With expertise in advanced sewage treatment technologies, operational efficiency, less land requirement, and skilled personnel, Unison is a strategic partner for sustainable and scalable sewage treatment solutions.
Preventing water body pollution and conserving water resources is a priority, and Unison’s approach aligns with the report’s recommendations, emphasising the importance of immediate action in sewage treatment and reutilisation to safeguard our environment and water resources for generations to come.
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Notes:
CPCB – The Central Pollution Control Board of India. A statutory organisation under the ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The board conducts environmental assessments and research. It is responsible for maintaining national standards under a variety of environmental laws, in consultation with regional directorates, tribal, and local governments. It has responsibilities to conduct monitoring of water and air quality, and maintains monitoring data. The agency also works with industries and all levels of government in a wide variety of voluntary pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts. It advises the central government to prevent and control water and air pollution. It also advises the Governments of Union Territories on industrial and other sources of water and air pollution. CPCB along with its counterparts the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) are responsible for implementation of legislation relating to prevention and control of environmental pollution.
Anaerobic-sludge-blanket reactor – A type of wastewater treatment system that uses anaerobic microorganisms to break down organic pollutants. It’s a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to treat high-strength organic wastewater.
Coagulant-aided tertiary sedimentation – A water treatment process where coagulants are added to wastewater to destabilize and clump together suspended particles, making them easier to settle out in a tertiary sedimentation tank, improving water quality
CAPEX model – It is a business model where a company makes a capital expenditure (CapEx) – a significant, long-term investment – to acquire, maintain, or upgrade fixed assets like property, plants, equipment, or technology, with the expectation of generating long-term benefits
Scalable sewage treatment – A flexible, modular approach to wastewater management, allowing systems to adapt to varying capacities without major infrastructure overhauls. Designed for rapid deployment, these plug-and-play units ensure efficient, cost-effective treatment while eliminating high upfront investments. With IoT integration, they enable real-time monitoring, compliance tracking, and optimized performance. Industries, commercial spaces, and urban developments can reuse treated water for non-potable applications, reducing freshwater dependency. As 80% of India’s wastewater remains untreated, scalable solutions provide a sustainable, future-ready alternative to conventional systems, meeting environmental regulations while supporting circular economy principles—all without the burden of CAPEX (Capital Expenditure)