India's urban population is estimated to increase from 340 million now to 590 million in around 20 years, putting a huge pressure on city infrastructure such as water, sanitation, urban waste etc. As of now, as per Mckinsey, urban citizens in India have access to only 105 liters per day of potable, piped water supply as compared to a minium basic requirement of 150 liters. Only, 63 percent population has access to sewerage and septic tank facility, and only 30 percent of the sewage generated actually gets treated.

A WWF report estimates that Indian cities such as Delhi and Mumbai generate over 7,000 MSW (Municipal Solid Waste ) tonnes per day while cities like Bangalore generate 1,742 MSW and Indore 500 MSW tonnes per day. World Bank estimates reveal that for India, the total municipal waste generation is expected to grow from 70 million tonnes in 2000 to 250 million tons by 2030.

Realizing the centrality of good urban infrastructure to economic development, the Government of India launched Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) for integrated development of urban infrastructure and services in December 2005. The goal of the mission is to achieve "reforms-driven", fast-track and planned development in 65 identified mission cities in the country. It envisages an investment of over Rs 1,000 bn over a seven year period with committed Central Government share of Rs 665 bn and rest to be borne by the respective State Governments and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).