IWF and RIICO organize International Conference on “Water use efficiency in Industrial Sector'

Press Release

November 11, 2011


India Water Foundation and RIICO organize International Conference

on “Water use efficiency in Industrial Sector”

Focus on making judicious and wise usage of water resources in industries

Recognizes the need for creating an effective Industrial Water policy


The India Water Foundation, a non-profit organization established for the purpose of generating a heightened public awareness all over India regarding the vital role water plays in protecting human health, supporting economic growth and safeguarding natural resources, organized an international conference on Water use efficiency in Industrial Sector in association with Rajasthan Industrial Development & Investment Corporation (RICA) at Jaipur.


With the prime focus on making the judicious and wise usage of water resources in the Indian industries, the conference brought together representatives from Government, Industry, Civil society and Academia on the same platform to discuss various issues pertaining to water conservation, water and climate change, industrial water laws and regulation and institutional challenges.


The Conference saw the participation of the who's who of the decision makers from the Government, Public and Private Sectors. Some of those who were there at the Conference included the Central Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources, Shri Pawan Bansal, The Rajasthan Chief Minister, Shri Ashok Gehlot, Shri. Rajendra Pareek, Minister of Water Resource & Industries, Rajasthan, Mr.Ranjan Chatterjee, Sr. Advisor, E&F, Planning Commission of India, Shri G Mohan Kumar, IAS, Addl. Secretary Ministry of Water Resources, GOI, Mr. Ajit Tyagi, DG, IMD, Ministry of Earth Sciences, GOI, Mr. Sameer Vyas, MD,IL&FS Water, etc. The conference saw near unanimity for the need to have a comprehensive and effective Industrial Water Policy.


The absence of Industrial water policy in the country was discussed at the Conference and the findings and recommendations of the conference are expected to formulate an effective Industrial Water Policy. The emphasis was given on effective and efficient use of water by industries and recycling of industrial waste water. The transparency in the figures of water consumption of the industries was also stressed upon. The conference has forged a collaboration and synergy between industry and water sectors.


“Industrial Sector is open to new and innovative ideas and with involvement and cooperation of all stakeholders, the objective of water use efficiency can be achieved”, said Dr. Arvind Kumar, President, India Water Foundation. Mr. Sunil Arora, Chairman RIICO added, “This conference helped in identifying issues and chalking out a consorted and well coordinated strategy for water conservation and its efficient utilization”.


The core focus of the conference was water conservation and dealing with global climatic challenges, to bring forth an effective water policy and future plans for proper management of water resources. The conference focused on issues of water conservation management since there is a dire need for industries to now share the responsibility towards judicious usage of water. Issues such as practical systems for water distribution in small and medium scale industries, efficient utilization of sewage and industrial water wastes and water use efficiency in Indian national legal and institutional framework were also discussed.


India Water Foundation firmly believes that the saving and conservation of fresh water therefore is essential to help mitigate impact of climate change. Industrial water conservation and efficiency can reduce vulnerability to climate change and therefore can be a part of climate adaptation strategy.


India Water Foundation will share the findings of the conference and chalk out the possible next steps for ensuring that an industrial water policy takes a close look at all issues involved.