Indore: Indore, often hailed as the cleanest city in India and famous for its rapid development and the ‘Water Plus’ certification, is currently facing a dual challenge: skyrocketing water prices and growing concerns over water quality. Residents are paying ₹21 for 1,000 liters of water, yet experts warn that it may be “toxic.”
Geography Drives the Cost
The high cost of water in Indore is largely due to the city’s geographic situation. Water is sourced from the Narmada River, located 70 kilometers away, and pumped to an elevation of 500 meters. This process incurs a monthly electricity expenditure of around ₹25 crore. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav explained that this is why Indore has the highest water prices in the country, a burden that falls directly on citizens.
What the ‘Water Plus’ Tag Means
Indore became the first city in India to receive the ‘Water Plus’ certification in 2021, which was intended to ensure that all domestic and industrial wastewater is treated before being released. The city has a total sewage treatment plant (STP) capacity of 402 MLD, while 320 MLD of sewage is generated daily. However, experts have raised questions about the credibility of this certification.
Experts Question the Certification
Critics argue that the certification was achieved only by running STPs at full capacity during surveys. In reality, decades-old pipelines run alongside sewage lines, resulting in potential contamination.
Plans for a Sustainable Future
To reduce the massive electricity costs, the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) is constructing a 60 MW solar park in Jalud. Funded through India’s first municipal ‘Green Bond,’ the project has raised ₹244 crore. Once operational in March 2026, the plant is expected to save around ₹5 crore per month, although financial constraints remain a challenge for the city.
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