An attempt has been made to study the impact of urban wastewater irrigation on summer paddy productivity, varietal response and soil properties. Paddy and soil samples were collected from selected peri-urban villages of Bhubaneswar, India, from fields receiving contrast irrigation sources (urban wastewater and river water) under similar agro-climatic and socioeconomic conditions. Major plant nutrients content were higher in wastewater irrigated soils, whereas pH was lower. Wastewater irrigation increased grain and straw yield.

The textile industry is one of the major industrial polluters, and water recycling is yet far from being standard practice. Wastewater generation remains a serious and growing problem, affecting ecosystems, human health and freshwater availability for other uses. India is the world’s third largest exporter of textiles and the sector directly employs 45 million people. This case study explores the socio-technical transition of Tirupur, a textile cluster dubbed as the first in India to shift to 'zero liquid discharge' (ZLD) in a systematic manner.