Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has become the first airport in India to achieve water-positive status among facilities handling more than 40 million passengers annually. The certification marks a major milestone in India’s sustainable aviation infrastructure and reflects significant advancements in water conservation and resource management.
What Water-Positive Status Means
A water-positive establishment replenishes more freshwater than it consumes. IGI Airport earned this status by scaling up rainwater harvesting capacity, expanding groundwater recharge systems, and strengthening wastewater recycling mechanisms. The recognition was awarded at the Water Innovation Summit 2025, under the NITI Aayog–CII water neutrality framework.
How IGI Achieved the Status
Key infrastructure and initiatives include:
- 625 rainwater harvesting structures, enabling large-scale collection and recharge.
- Two underground water storage reservoirs with a combined capacity of 9 million litres.
- A 16.6 MLD zero-liquid-discharge sewage treatment plant (STP) ensuring 100% wastewater recovery and reuse.
These systems enable the airport to replenish more water into the environment than it extracts.
Smart Reuse and Efficiency Measures
Recycled water is utilised for:
- Cooling and HVAC systems
- Landscape irrigation
- Toilet flushing and maintenance
Automated sprinklers, drip irrigation networks and smart monitoring further reduce wastage. Meanwhile, a dedicated potable water treatment facility ensures high-quality drinking water for passengers.
Why This Matters
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) says the milestone strengthens IGI’s climate resilience and supports its long-term target of achieving net-zero emissions. The development also sets a national benchmark for sustainable airport operations and highlights growing momentum toward responsible water use in Indian infrastructure.
Key Facts
- IGI Airport is India’s first water-positive airport handling over 40 million passengers annually.
- It operates 625 rainwater harvesting systems and two reservoirs with 9 million-litre capacity.
- A 16.6 MLD zero-liquid-discharge STP recycles all wastewater.
- Certification follows the NITI Aayog–CII water neutrality framework.