Industry leaders and experts from India’s Water & Waste sector react to the Union Budget 2021 presented on February 1, 2021…
“COVID-19 has truly highlighted the importance of safe and efficient sanitation and we are happy to see the Budget 2021 take cognizance of the pertinent linkage between universal water and sanitation and universal health. The Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban outlay of Rs. 1,41,678 crore for a period of five years demonstrates an answer to “Toilet kebaadkya?” There will now be a nationwide effort towards complete Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (adoption of NFSSM Policy, 2017) – from ODF to ODF + and ODF++ − source segregation of garbage, reduction of air pollution, reduction in single use plastics, dealing with waste from construction and demolition activities and bio-remediation of all legacy waste dump sites – directly impacting the environment. The launch of the Jal Jeevan Mission (waste water management) with Rs. 2.87 lakh crore will catalyse the movement towards achieving SDG-6 by 2030.”
– Prof. Meera Mehta, Member – NFSSM Alliance and Executive Director of the Center for Water and Sanitation, CRDF, CEPT University
“It is a game changing budget from the point of view of inclusive sanitation in general and human waste management in particular. The Hon’ble Finance Minister announced Urban Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 with outlay of Rs. 1,41,678 Crore for complete Fecal Sludge Management, Wastewater Treatment, Source Segregation, Management of Waste from Urban Construction, and Bioremediation of Legacy Dump Sites. It is heartening to see fecal sludge and septage management mentioned in her speech and the inclusion of urban development in the agenda. This budget will positively impact the urban poor. Moreover, what is encouraging is the fact that the emphasis is not only on infrastructure but on treatment to ensure protection of public health and water bodies. This move by the government is fundamental for creating a strengthened ecosystem to further the vision of ‘health for all’.”
– Professor V. Srinivas Chary, Director, Centre for Energy, Environment, Urban Governance, and Infrastructure Development at Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) and Member of National Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (NFSSM) Alliance
Know More – India’s Union Budget 2021: Rs. 2.87 Lakh Crore Outlay For Jal Jeevan Mission & Universal Water Supply Scheme For Urban Areas…
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