water sector

Service in the water sector is the service to the nation: Umesh Narayan Panjiar
Investment potential in the water sector is manifold; the Water Summit 2009 calls for PPCP and knowledge sharing


[New Delhi, 11 June 2009] Service in the water sector is the service to the nation, and private enterprises should actively consider this as a part of CSR initiatives. The industry should share nation's idea for enhancing water availability and utility backed with a strong technology base, opined Mr. Umesh Narayan Panjiar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India.

He was speaking at Water Summit 2009, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in association with the World Economic Forum (WEF), and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The summit themed on 'Catalysing Investments in Water Sector' reflected upon the investment potential in the sector, scope of public-private community partnership (PPCP) schemes and active sharing knowledge about best technological and industrial practices. The event marked the release of an education kit for children, aimed at educating them about water conservation and capturing it as a positive influence on parents.

Delivering the keynote address, he further stated that the private sector can be an active counterpart in collection of tariffs, stoppage of waste, desalination technologies, participatory management, achieving water positive / water neutral status etc. R&D is the key for maintaining efficiency in water usage for agricultural and industrial sectors. In addition the industry should take up water audits, budgeting, which will help in assessing its water inputs.

He added, since the agricultural sector accounts for maximum water consumption in the country, the private sector should also come up to enlighten the farmers about efficient irrigation and agricultural practices.

Mr. Ramesh Negi, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) expressed concern about non-equitable water distribution in the capital. He said more than 45% of the city of unplanned, and due to excessive unplanned urbanization, the consumers often face water shortage problem. As DJB does not have sufficient water inventory, the present norm of 450 / 350 litre per head per day for Hospitals and Hotel's will soon go down to 200 litres. Hotel and hospitals share the concerns and will recycle the remaining as per their needs.

He further highlighted that DJB spends Rs. 1,500 crore annually in the sector, this has to be augmented with the private sector's participation. Pointing out that the investment opportunities in the sector are going up manifolds, he suggested a PPP model in which the government will provide the land and the private counterpart does water recycling. DJB will soon contract leakage management for the city to private enterprises, to minimise unaccounted for water.

Mr. N K Ranganath, Chairman Water Management Council, CII - Godrej Green Business Centre apprised the delegates about Indian Business Alliance of Water which is a partnership between WEF and CII. 25 PPCP projects are under the umbrella of this alliance. The alliance formed Rajasthan Community Business Alliance on water that will be replicated in the cities of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Orissa.

Mr. Francios E Binder, Country Director & Counsellor, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Embassy of Switzerland suggested that the water sector in India has to adhere to appropriate regulatory framework which incorporates consumer protection, environmental standards, pricing mechanism and enhancing sustainability. He added that the sector has to introduce accountability amongst stakeholders.

Sharing an international perspective, Mr. Tan Thai Pin, Director, PUB, Singapore endorsed 3P approach for water conservation that divides the onus on people, public and partners. He said Singapore's water conservation programme focuses on water catchment, high-grade reclaimed water desalination - NEWater, Deep Tunnel Sewage System and Active Beautiful and Clean (ABC) water program. The vibrant water industry shares the vision to make Singapore into a city of gardens and water, he added.

Earlier in the welcome address, Mr. Vipin Sondhi, Chairman, Core Group on Water, CII (NR) & MD & CEO, JCB India Limited, stated spending in the water sector will increase to US$ 180 billion in the coming 20-22 years, from the present amount of US$ 80 billion. The sector thus has to attract investments, which may emerge from the interplay of ideas amongst stakeholders.