Madurai airport has commenced daily usage of treated wastewater from the city’s sewage treatment infrastructure to meet its landscaping and greenery maintenance needs.
The initiative, a product of a formal collaboration between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Madurai Municipal Corporation, aims to conserve potable water while maintaining a verdant environment across the airport’s premises. As part of this effort, 4 lakh litres of treated water are now being supplied every day from the Vellaikal sewage treatment plant (STP) to the airport. The reclaimed water is designated for irrigation of greenery across the airport landscape and for ongoing construction areas, including the new air traffic control (ATC) tower.
This step follows a memorandum of understanding signed in 2022 between the civic body and AAI for the dual supply of both drinking water and treated water to the airport. In total, the agreement mandates a daily provision of 2 lakh litres of potable water and 4 lakh litres of treated water. To facilitate this, two independent pipelines have been laid—one channelling drinking water from the Vellaikal overhead tank, and another connecting to the Vellaikal or Avaniyapuram STP for treated wastewater delivery. Officials overseeing airport operations stated that the project was completed at a cost of ₹2.25 crore. The Madurai Municipal Corporation has fixed the tariff at ₹80 per kilolitre for potable water and ₹15.90 per kilolitre for treated water. Based on this rate, the daily water cost to the airport totals approximately ₹22,360. To promote accountability and water efficiency, water meters are being installed to monitor usage on both pipelines.
While the supply of treated water has already commenced, the potable water connection is currently under a trial run. Authorities anticipate its operationalisation in the coming weeks following successful testing and quality assurance checks. The decision to incorporate treated water into daily operations marks a pivotal moment for Madurai’s urban water management. It demonstrates a progressive step toward sustainable infrastructure and resource circularity in public institutions. Airports, which often rely heavily on freshwater sources for cleaning, cooling, and landscape upkeep, are being nudged towards greener alternatives due to growing awareness of climate resilience and eco-conscious urban planning.
According to civic officials, the treated water being sent to the airport undergoes multiple levels of filtration and meets non-potable reuse standards as set by pollution control guidelines. By redirecting this resource to green spaces rather than allowing it to go to waste, the city is also easing the burden on its freshwater reserves. This initiative also signals a broader institutional shift. With Tamil Nadu experiencing erratic rainfall patterns and rising water demand, state agencies have been increasingly looking at water reuse as a strategic priority. The state capital, Chennai, has already experimented with decentralised water reuse for industrial and landscape purposes. Madurai’s model—especially given its integration with airport infrastructure—adds further momentum to this trend.
Environmental experts have lauded the project for its alignment with sustainable urban goals. They note that the practice of using reclaimed water for irrigation and non-consumptive purposes not only reduces dependency on groundwater but also sets a precedent for other large-scale institutions to follow. The decision to invest in dual piping and water metering also reflects long-term thinking in resource management. Urban planners believe the airport’s shift could catalyse similar initiatives in industrial estates, parks, and institutional campuses across Tamil Nadu. The financial feasibility of the water reuse model—particularly the lower tariff for treated water—offers a viable blueprint for other municipalities looking to reduce the environmental footprint of public infrastructure.
While the airport’s initiative is largely a technical and logistical milestone, it carries significant symbolic value. It signals an institutional commitment to climate-adaptive infrastructure, integrating sustainable water practices into the day-to-day functioning of civic and transport hubs. Madurai, a heritage-rich city that balances tourism, trade, and industrial activities, faces growing pressure to optimise its water resources amidst shifting climate conditions. The collaboration between the AAI and the civic body highlights how inter-agency coordination can yield functional, environmentally beneficial outcomes.
Looking ahead, officials have noted that the airport may explore further applications for reclaimed water, potentially in firefighting systems and cooling towers, subject to regulatory approvals and technical assessments. For now, the successful implementation of this green infrastructure measure sets the tone for what urban resilience could look like—where collaboration, technology, and environmental ethics converge
Madurai Airport Embraces Recycled Water for Sustainable Landscaping
