Infrastructure that equips a city with clean water supply, a sustainable waste disposal mechanism, and renewable energy is called environmental infrastructure. It is evolving into a basic necessity for any city around the world. Just as drinking water needs to be treated to prevent water-borne diseases, an efficient waste disposal and waste treatment mechanism is necessary to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Clean energy has also become the need of the hour to maintain ecological balance, including human health.

The expanding population, combined with the rapid urbanization and the industrial development, has resulted in the need for robust environmental infrastructure (planning and designing and construction). This will require substantial investments–both public and private. Everyone must make an effort to this end, including citizens, municipal officials, and decision makers in the public and the private domains.

India’s ever-expanding population has boosted demand for clean water in urban and rural areas (especially in the former due to the higher population concentration). Water for drinking and sanitation (2 important needs) is becoming a major cause for concern due to scarcity. Around 163 million people are deprived of a source of clean drinking water and nearly 210 million do not have basic sanitation amenities. By 2050, half of the country’s population is estimated to be located in cities; if the current trend of water deficit continues, cities will face a bigger water crisis than rural areas. Wastewater treatment options and alternate sources of clean water must be explored.

India produces 62 million tons of waster per annum; close to 70% is collected but only 22-28% is processed. Landfills have become the third largest source of greenhouse gases in the country. With population growth, waste generation is expected to increase by 5% per annum. Population growth will also result in waste management-related challenges, and proper infrastructure will play an important role in sustainable development.

By 2040, India’s energy demand is expected to reach 15,820 terawatt hours, and the country aims to meet it internally through the development of renewable energy centers. India’s renewable energy sector is regarded the second most attractive in the world. The country accounts for about 4% of the world’s renewable energy. Based on sources of power generation, India ranks fourth in terms of total wind power capacity and sixth in terms of solar power capacity (globally).

Frost & Sullivan is of the opinion that a good combined effort from the public and the private sectors will help overcome the above environmental infrastructure challenges.

Author: Akshay Sharma