New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) Water security is not only an environmental imperative but a foundation for economic growth, public well-being and sustainable development, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary said on Tuesday.
Addressing the 12th CII Water Innovation Summit here, Choudhary said the choices made in managing, conserving and reusing water will determine the strength and resilience of India’s future economy.
He urged industry to complement government efforts through innovation, responsible water stewardship and investments that strengthen local water security and climate resilience.
Water Vision 2047, a strategic initiative aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, seeks to ensure resilient, inclusive and universal water security, he said.
“Since water is a state subject, collaboration between the Centre, states, local bodies, communities and industry is essential,” he said.
Choudhary said India’s approach to water management is guided by five pillars — political will, public financing, partnership, public participation and persuasion for sustainability.
He said India is moving towards river-basin-based planning, supported by digital hydrological monitoring, with the objective of ensuring both “aviral dhara” and “nirmal dhara” — continuous and clean river flows.
A major focus of Water Vision 2047 is the creation of a circular water economy, with treated wastewater being promoted for industrial use, thermal power plants and urban landscaping, he said.
Highlighting the need for greater efficiency in irrigation, Choudhary said the modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management programme represents a shift towards more efficient water delivery.
The initiative uses underground pipe networks to deliver water directly to farm fields, while digital technologies such as IoT sensors and SCADA systems can help ensure equitable, assured and efficient water supply, he said.
The minister also stressed the importance of micro-irrigation in helping farmers achieve “more crop per drop” and diversify into high-value crops.
Choudhary said Jan Bhagidari is at the heart of India’s water strategy, with initiatives such as Atal Bhujal Yojana, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Mission Amrit Sarovar and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari seeking to strengthen community participation in water management.
“India’s water future cannot be secured by government action alone. It requires people’s participation, a people’s movement,” he said.
The minister said Indian industry also has an important role in water conservation through investment in water-efficient technologies, wastewater recycling, digital monitoring and sustainable practices.
“Many are moving beyond compliance, extending their efforts into surrounding watersheds, thereby strengthening local water security and community resilience,” he said.
He said strong governance, community participation, technological innovation and collective partnership will be essential for India to build a water-secure future.
Industry leaders at the summit also called for greater collaboration among the government, industry and communities to address water challenges.
R Mukundan, President, CII and Managing Director & CEO, Tata Chemicals Ltd, emphasised that while India receives adequate rainfall, the key challenge lies in effective water management, conservation, and equitable distribution.
He called upon industry to commit to water-positive growth models through greater collaboration with government, communities, and global partners, thereby contributing to not only “Vikisit” but also a “Surakshit and Saksham Bharat”.
Nikhil Sawhney, Chairman, CII-Triveni Water Institute and Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Triveni Turbine Ltd, highlighted that water is no longer merely an environmental resource, it is a critical economic asset, a key input to growth, and increasingly an economic risk. He emphasised that addressing water challenges requires moving beyond commitments to measurable action and outcomes.
Indraneel Dutt, Co-Chairman, CII Mission on Water and MD & CEO, Ion Exchange India Pvt. Ltd., noted that water security is increasingly becoming a critical driver of economic growth, competitiveness, and business resilience and investing in water security is investing in economic security.
Mukund Narayanamurti, Minister Commercial and Head of Austrade South Asia, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), underscored the critical role of water in enabling economic prosperity, resilience, and sustainable development.
He highlighted the vast opportunities for India-Australia collaboration as India and Australia share common water challenges and opportunities despite differing geographies.
The two-day summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, technology providers, water experts and international partners to deliberate on the linkages between water security, economic growth, climate resilience and sustainable development. PTI ADI ADI SKY
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