Trilok Singh
The Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE) under the National Water Mission (NWM), Ministry of Jal Shakti, in association with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), organized a one-day conference titled “Water Sustainability Conference 2025”, with a focus on Industrial Water Use Efficiency. The conference was held on 12th March 2025 at the NDMC Convention Centre, Palika Kendra, Sansad Marg, New Delhi.
The event was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, who highlighted the Government’s commitment towards promoting industrial water use efficiency through innovative technologies and strategic frameworks. The workshop brought together various Ministries, Organisations, Policymakers, Industry Leaders, Experts, and Stakeholders to deliberate on strategies and technological advancements to enhance water use efficiency in the industrial sector.
The Minister of Jal Shakti further stated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, transformative initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Jal Shakti Abhiyan are revolutionizing water management and ensuring sustainable conservation of our water resources. He further emphasized that these efforts extend to enhancing industrial water use efficiency by advocating for innovative technologies that optimize recycling and reduce wastage across the industrial sector. Shri C. R. Patil, emphasized that industries must lead water conservation efforts by adopting the 4R approach— a mantra given by Prime Minister of India- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Recharge. He also reiterated Respect as the 5th mantra. He highlighted the need for innovative water management solutions and showcased successful models like PEPL Kadodara, Surat, and the Vapi Paper Industry, which have significantly improved water use efficiency. Shri Patil reiterated that economic growth and water sustainability must go hand in hand, urging industries to actively participate in rainwater harvesting and sustainable water use initiatives.
The inaugural session also featured insightful remarks from Union Ministers of State, Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary and Shri V. Somanna, who stressed the importance of government-industry collaboration in advancing water conservation efforts. Dr Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti mentioned that ‘industries must embrace idea of circular economy where water is treated, reused and recycled within the system’ and adapt processing technologies that promote WUE.
A keynote address was delivered by Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti, focusing on the critical role of storage, groundwater recharge, river health and industrial effluent discharge and partnership of industries in enhancing WUE through collaboration in these areas.
Dr. Syamal Kumar Sarkar, distinguished fellow TERI and former WR and DoPT Secretary highlighted Water demand is increasing in all sectors in India, and is likely to exceed the water supply being a finite resource. He further mentioned that Industrial water demand is estimated to be 151 BCM by 2050. Unless there is improved water use efficiency in all sectors including the industrial sector, the economic growth will suffer and people will suffer with scarce water resources.
The conference brought together participants representing central government agencies, industry leaders, water management experts, research institutions, and PSUs.. Additionally, more than 20 distinguished speakers shared valuable insights and best practices, contributing to thought-provoking discussions on sustainable water use in the industrial sector.
The conference included the following key sessions:
- Ministerial Session: Titled “Accelerating Water Efficiency: Government’s Strategies and Initiatives”, chaired by Shri Praveen Gupta (Member, Central Electricity Authority), the session focused on government initiatives and strategic frameworks to enhance industrial water efficiency. Panelists included senior officials from state water authorities and regulatory bodies who underscored the need for industry-government collaboration in water conservation efforts.
- Technical Session I: Titled “Industrial Water Use Efficiency: Benchmarking Water Efficient Pathways”, chaired by Dr. S.K. Sarkar (Former Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources & Distinguished Fellow, TERI). This session focused on successful case studies from industries such as NTPC, SAIL, and CPCB, highlighting the importance of process optimization and the adoption of advanced water recycling technologies.
- Technical Session II: Titled “Water Neutrality & Positivity: A Deep Dive Towards Net Zero Future”, chaired by Dr. Sunil Kumar Ambast (Chairman, Central Ground Water Board). The session explored strategies for achieving water neutrality, including circular water management models and sustainable wastewater treatment practices. Panelists emphasized the role of corporate responsibility and the need for integrated water management systems.
During the conference, industry leaders shared successful models of water-efficient industrial practices, stressing the importance of policy incentives and capacity building to accelerate adoption.
The conference emphasized:
- Encouraging industries for self regulation through industrial water audits, adaptation of water efficient processes and for recycling, reuse and groundwater recharge.
- Marking Water footprint on industrial products & encouragement of BIS Standards.
- Promoting capturing & disclosure of real time water usage data for monitoring water use efficiency and for decision support systems.
- Encouraging industries to adopt advanced water recycling and Zero Liquid Discharge technologies.
- Promoting real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making for water efficiency.
- Strengthening policy frameworks and regulatory standards for industrial water use.
- Fostering industry-government partnerships to develop and implement water-efficient practices.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks and gratitude to all participants for their valuable contribution.
Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti
