Potential for Applicability of Decentralized Approaches in Sewage Treatment Systems in Indian Scenario

The conventional sewage treatment systems have always been considered as a successful approach in treating sewage. However, the constraints and complications regarding the centralized approaches are progressively surfacing. Factors like improper design of the plants, poor maintenance, lack of reliable electricity supply and skilled labour has led to the non-functioning of most of the plants in the country. The present scenario of sewage treatment systems in India require a total paradigm shift from centralized to decentralized approaches where the sewage could be treated in the source itself. Thus, it is required to have an alternate approach from a disposal based linear system to a recovery based closed system. The decentralized approaches for treating sewage allows flexibility in management and possess greater benefits in terms of technical, economic, environmental and social aspects. Apart from the centralized systems, the decentralized sewage treatment systems are more reliable, cost–effective and have better efficiency in treating sewage without leaving any sludge for disposal. The potential advantages of decentralized systems signify that it is a method that deserves greater applications and attention by every section of society from policy makers to every interested members of the public.