Exponential increase in demand for water due to population growth and agricultural use, coupled with high degree of variability in the availability of water resources throughout the country, will drive per capita accessibility of water to under 1,000 cubic metres by 2020 if left unchecked. Acknowledging challenges such as inadequate water legislation, outdated and inefficient technology and service delivery problems, one of the focus areas of the JNNURM is the provision of reliable water supply and sanitation at affordable prices.
Beyond the government's push in the betterment of water sanitation and availability, the world's second most populous country is also attracting supplementary financial and technological contributions from the private sector in the development of sustainable water solutions. The synergy between the private andpublic sectors will be crucial in solving the imminent water crisis in India.
Indeed, private organisations and business associations have responded actively to the call for public-private partnerships. One such organisation is the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), co-organiser of the India Business Forum, which recently held its annual Water Summit to discuss challenges and opportunities in the water sector in Gujarat. CII will share key takeaways from the summit with the international water community during the Water Week.
Additionally, the public sector continues to drive water consciousness with initiatives such as the National Water Mission, which aims for 20 per cent conservation in water use. Although water deficiency isstill prevalent, industry experts are optimistic that this shortfall can be met through the implementation of innovative solutions for more effective use of water resources.
Recognising India's potential for growth in the water industry, 15 leaders will converge at the India Business Forum to engage in meaningful discussions on boosting partnerships between the public and private sectors. From companies which require large quantities of water operationally to advisors of financing options, the India Business Forum will facilitate the broadening of business engagement in community water projects and synergising of India's water management approach.
Commenting on the all-round strategy to resolve water challenges in India, Sanjeev Chadha, participant of the India Business Forum and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo India, and Chairman, CII National Committee on Water, said: "Water is a burning platform for India - the single largest threat to our continued economic progress. Fortunately, the solutions are still within reach. They require committed public/private partnerships, with a key focus on agriculture, which accounts for over 80% of our water consumption, and the government can play a catalytic role by rewarding and recognizing efficient water use."
The India Business Forum will provide the platform for solutions-focused dialogue and sharing of best practices in areas such as streamlining the intricate process of providing affordable and clean waterwith active conservation efforts by private corporations; and alleviation of water challenges through construction of check-dams, recharge ponds and rain or roof-water harvesting.
"The water industry in India is constantly evolving with exciting and valuable prospects. As such, we hope to create impactful conversations by providing a timely, global platform during the India Business Forum. We are encouraged by the strong participation from both the public and private sectors from India, and expect the session to be a magnet for major water players from other countries," said Michael Toh, Managing Director of Singapore International Water Week.
Meeting the best minds from global water companies are leaders from the public sector including:
- HE Thiru M K Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Tamil Nadu
- HE Prof. L K Dhoble, Minister for Water Supply & Sanitation, Government of Maharashtra
- Mr Umesh Narayan Panjiar, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Governmentof India
- Mr Suresh Prabhu, Ambassador for Global Water Partnership (GWP); Chairman, Council for Energy, Environment and Water Confederation of Indian Industry (CII); & Former Union Minister of Environment, Government of India
- Mr Ramesh Negi,CEO, Delhi Jal Board
- Mr S S Kshatriya, Municipal Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
- Dr Niranjan Mardi, Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration and Water Supply, Government of Tamil Nadu
- Mr Sanjeev Chadha, Chairman & CEO of PepsiCo India Region; also Chairman of CII National Committee on Water
- Mr Arun Nanda Chairman, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts (I) Ltd, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd, Mahindra Consulting Engineers Ltd, and Mahindra World City Developers Ltd; & Chairman, CII Western Region
The India Business Forum will be held on July 1, 2010, from 1pm at Gallery East, Level 3, Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Centre. For more information, please visit www.siww.com.sg/2010-business-forums.
About Singapore International Water Week
The Singapore International Water Week is the global platform for water solutions. It brings policymakers, industry leaders, experts and practitioners together to address challenges, showcase technologies, discover opportunities and celebrate achievements in the water world. Comprising the Water Leaders Summit, Water Convention, Water Expo and Business Forums, it culminates in the presentation of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, a prestigious international award to recognise outstanding contributions in solving global water issues. The third Singapore International Water Week will be held from 28 June 28 to 2 July 2010. The theme is Sustainable Cities - Clean and Affordable Water. For more information, log onto www.siww.com.sg.
Source: Singapore International Water Week
Contact:
Aaron Yeo Burson Marsteller for Singapore International Water Week Tel: +65 6829 9333 Email: aaron.yeo@bm.com Sally Toh Singapore International Water Week Tel: +65 6731 3108 Email: Sally_TOH@pub.gov.sg
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