NEW DELHI (Staff Correspondent): Water security challenges could significantly impact its ambitious economic growth targets, India G20 Sherpa and Former CEO of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant said at FICCI’s 10th India Industry Water Conclave and FICCI Water Awards.
Kant highlighted the stark disparity between India’s population and water resources, noting that while the country houses 17% of the global population, it has access to merely 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. This imbalance is further exacerbated by the fact that 75% of Indian households currently lack access to drinking water.
“India’s ability to grow from a $4 trillion economy to a $30 trillion economy is fundamentally a function of water,” Kant said. “Our capacity to grow in an environmentally sustainable manner and improve citizens’ quality of life depends entirely on how we manage this critical resource.”
Delivered Keynote at the 12th edition of the @ficci_india Water Awards. Water will determine India’s ability to achieve high economic growth, ensure environmental sustainability and improve quality of life for citizens.
Industry plays a pivotal role in… pic.twitter.com/wGTDWVbRxm— Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) February 24, 2025
He outlined three key solutions: restoring local water bodies, deploying advanced technology for real-time monitoring, and community-based water management.
Kant encouraged the industry to take a leading role in efficiently managing water resources. “Industry must lead the way in recycling and reusing water, bringing in the best technology and capabilities. This will be crucial for ensuring India becomes water secure,” he emphasised.
On occasion, Mr G Asok Kumar, Former Special Secretary; Former Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt of India, alluded to the Sahi-Fasal campaign, promoting water-efficient farming practices. “We need to achieve more net income per drop by reducing water-intensive farming,” he said, urging industries to support farmers with micro-irrigation technologies.
Highlighting the need for responsible water management, Mr Kumar urged that if water is extracted from the ground, it is essential to replenish it. He also advocated for the “Catch the Rain” campaign, which aims to refurbish and prepare rainwater harvesting structures before the monsoon season, ensuring that no drop of rainwater is wasted.
Ms Naina Lal Kidwai, Chair, FICCI Water Mission and Past President, FICCI, emphasised the industry’s responsibility in sustainable water usage. “The industry can and must lead the way in water conservation, focusing on reducing our water footprint through innovative practices,” she said.
The event saw the release of FICCI’s Compendium of Best Practices and the announcement of the 12th FICCI Water Awards, where Apollo Tyres won first prize in the Industrial Water Use Efficiency category, followed by Hindalco Industries (Unit Birla Copper Dahej) in second place. Diageo (United Spirits Ltd.- Goa) and ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar received special mentions.
IndusInd Bank’s Livolink Odisha Project secured first prize in Community Initiatives by Industry category. SmarterHomes Technologies and Vishvaraj Environment won first prizes in Innovation in Water Technology and Urban Water and Wastewater Management, respectively.
In the Water Initiatives by NGO category, PANI claimed first prize, with Earth Brigade Foundation taking second place.
Liquiclear Technologies Pvt. Ltd. received a special mention in the Best Startup – Water Innovation category.
Shraman Jha, Co-Chair, FICCI Water Mission and CEO, Hindustan Unilever Foundation, delivered the vote of thanks.
