In a landmark initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban, Ghaziabad has pioneered sustainable urban development by issuing India's first Certified Green Municipal Bond. This strategic move successfully raised Rs 1.5 billion to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP), marking a significant step towards enhancing urban resilience and environmental sustainability.

The funds have been allocated to develop an advanced TSTP equipped with cutting-edge Membrane Filtration Technologies, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis (RO). These technologies ensure that treated wastewater meets the highest standards, making it suitable for industrial reuse and thereby conserving freshwater resources.

With a treatment capacity of 40 million litres per day (MLD), the TSTP is integrated with a 95-kilometre pipeline network, delivering treated water to over 1,400 industrial units across Ghaziabad. This initiative not only reduces dependency on freshwater sources but also transforms wastewater into a valuable resource supporting the city's industrial sector.

The project's innovative financial structure is noteworthy. Developed under the Public-Private Hybrid Annuity Model (PPP-HAM), with 40 per cent municipal funding, the approach streamlined implementation while ensuring financial discipline. The successful issuance of the Green Municipal Bond demonstrated investor confidence in Ghaziabad's sustainable approach and introduced a new level of financial transparency and discipline to the Urban Local Body (ULB).

Further solidifying its leadership in urban water management, Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam (GNN) contracted with over 800 firms to supply 9.5 MLD of tertiary treated water. This initiative garnered international recognition, with Ghaziabad receiving the Best Municipal Treated Water Reuse Award at the Water Digest World Water Awards 2024–25, acknowledging the city's excellence in water conservation, recycling, and sustainable water management.

The city's commitment to sustainable development attracted global attention. A delegation comprising 22 students and 4 faculty members from West Suffolk College, England, visited the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation as part of an exposure visit. The team explored the TSTP and other municipal projects, gaining insights into Ghaziabad's dedication to smart cities and sustainable development.

Through its pioneering efforts in advanced water treatment technologies, innovative financial models, and unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, Ghaziabad is leading the charge in India's quest for cleaner, smarter, and more resilient cities.