AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS ON NEXUS BETWEEN POPULATION GROWTH AND WASTEWATER GENERATION IN INDIA

Abstract

Wastewater management is one of the biggest challenges for India. India having high population growth along with socio-economic development, rapid urbanization, and industrialization creates more pressure on freshwater resources for industrial activities, and human consumption, subsequently, the huge amount of wastewater generated. Wastewater is the biggest evil for freshwater resources and degrades the environmental quality. This situation is immensely rising the health cost to society. Therefore, this paper seeks to examine the relationship between population growth and wastewater generation in India. This research paper is based on secondary data, gathered from Central Pollution Control Board, World Bank, and ENVIS Report. The correlation and linear regression tools were applied for data analysis. The correlation is positive and linear regression results show that the R² value is 0.977, the population growth of India and wastewater generation was statistically significant at 0.01 level. This research paper suggests to Government should effectively implement the wastewater treatment plants in major cities and make awareness among the people to reuse and recycle wastewater.