Water Seminar and Gujarat Water Summit 2011 Background

Gujarat : Water is fast emerging as the key resource of the future. The demand for fresh water is growing at a tremendous pace aided by a growing population and increased levels of industrialization. Discharge of untreated industrial and domestic waste water to existing fresh water bodies is another cause of concern as it diminishes the availability of fresh water resources. The Governments, at both central and state level, have taken cognizance of this need to augment water availability. This is reflected in the growing investments in the water and sanitation sector.

However, arriving at effective water management solutions would require efforts beyond those made by the Governments in augmenting water supply. Sustainable water management practices would require a concerted effort by the various stakeholders in the water sector – public sector, private sector and end-user customers. Newer technologies that can make use of the inexhaustible sources of seawater by means of desalination or recycle industrial/domestic waste water are of urgent need. A critical element in the adoption of water solutions is the economics involved in implementing these solutions. Technological innovations around the world are no successfully bridging the gap between technological impact and economic feasibility. However, the knowledge available in this area is still scattered and a platform to bring convergence of ideas is felt necessary.