ASSOCHAM actively contributed to the World Water Day Conclave organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, supporting a high-level dialogue on “Industry for Water: Driving Efficiency, Awareness and Voluntary Action.” The conclave brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to accelerate sustainable water management practices across sectors.
The event commenced with an inaugural session in the esteemed presence of *Shri C.R. Patil, Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti; Shri V. Somanna, Hon’ble Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation; and Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. The session was also graced by Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary (DoWR, RD & GR), Shri Ashok K.K. Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, and Smt. Archana Varma, Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Water Mission.
In his address, Shri C.R. Patil emphasized the critical role of water in India’s holistic growth, highlighting that industries must act as key partners in ensuring sustainable and efficient water use. Shri V.L. Kantha Rao underlined the need to strengthen research and development within industries to scale water use efficiency (WUE) and drive innovation-led solutions. Smt. Archana Varma stressed that enhanced awareness and voluntary action by industries are essential to address emerging water challenges and ensure long-term sustainability.
A key highlight of the inaugural session was the felicitation of industry associations that have voluntarily adopted Water Use Efficiency targets. ASSOCHAM was recognised for its leadership in promoting responsible water management and advancing WUE practices across industries. The recognition was received by Anil K. Agarwal, Past President, ASSOCHAM.
The programme also witnessed the release of the national compendium on “Best Industry Practices in Water Management,” with significant contributions from ASSOCHAM and its member industries.
A special interactive segment, collaboratively designed with industry associations and moderated by ASSOCHAM, enabled direct dialogue between policymakers and industry stakeholders on actionable pathways for improving water use efficiency.
Siddharth K. Desai, Co-Chair, National Water Council, ASSOCHAM, highlighted the importance of technology adoption, innovation, and collaborative frameworks in addressing India’s water challenges.
During the discussions, Ambika Sharma emphasised key policy priorities, including reforms in water pricing and the development of water credit mechanisms, as critical levers for driving efficiency and responsible water use.
Key actionable points emerging from the discussion included:
– Adoption of voluntary Water Use Efficiency (WUE) targets by industries, aligned with ESG and sustainability goals
– Exploration of Water Credits or Blue Credits frameworks, similar to carbon markets, to incentivize efficient water use
– Strengthening water audits beyond compliance, enabling data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement
– Promoting rational water pricing mechanisms, with examples such as the Chhattisgarh dam model demonstrating sustainable revenue generation and efficient allocation
– Enhancing water use efficiency in agriculture, recognizing its significant share in overall water consumption
– Building public awareness on water as a shared and strategic resource
– Development of digital platforms for knowledge sharing, learning, and capacity building, especially for industries and MSMEs
– Creation of guidebooks, toolkits, and institutional support mechanisms, including primer institutes, to support industries in achieving water efficiency targets
The dialogue also resulted in the signing of a voluntary joint declaration by industry associations and leaders, reaffirming their collective commitment towards improving Water Use Efficiency.
The conclave concluded with a shared commitment to advance collaborative, scalable, and implementable solutions, positioning water stewardship as both a national priority and a strategic imperative for industry.