We undertake recycle projects and also have capabilities in zero liquid discharge technology which help industries to reduce use of fresh water to the possible extent.

WABAG is one of the world’s leading suppliers of drinking water and wastewater plant planning, installation and operational management. It offers sustainable solutions that can serve as the economic basis for a region and provide enhanced quality of life for the local population. Himanshu Laghate explains current trends and new technology adoptions.

To meet environment regulations
The increasing need for recycle and reuse of water is very well known. Though the environmental norms are getting stricter in India, there is still a lot more desired. Many industries have realised that they can no longer depend on fresh water and have implemented plants which recycle and reuse the water to the maximum extent. Some oil refining companies are doing very well in this. Wabag provides effluent recycle solutions to industries and has done so for many industries so far. The company undertakes recycle projects and also have capabilities in zero liquid discharge technology which help industries to reduce use of fresh water to the possible extent.

Building awareness
There is a lot of awareness now about use of water, wastage of water and that this source also has supply side limitations as compared to demand. This is due to various reasons like population growth, industrial demand, agricultural need to keep up with increased population etc.  However, Mr Laghate feels, “Cost and availability of fresh water are factors which are influencing the market. There are various solutions which are now being taken into consideration like using treated sewage for agricultural use, treatment of municipal sewage and supply to industries like power, steel etc.”

Solutions offered
Wabag offers solutions in effluent or sewage treatment, large drinking water solutions to municipal corporations and governing bodies, various process water solutions to different industries and also undertakes O&M of plants. One of the large desalination plants which fulfils need of Chennai is set up by VA Tech Wabag.

Current trends
The current trend in procurement for water treatment is to have a water treatment solutions partner who can provide all types of solutions and also can offer end to end solutions including design, supply, BOT, BOOT and O&M.

The focus is to have a long term sustainable organisation which means there is a trusted partner with the customer. The trends are also to adopt new technology which is a need of the hour like reverse osmosis has taken centre stage while it was not so a decade ago.

For customers
Mr Laghate also gives some important and useful tips to customers while they choose the solution provider. Some of these points to be taken into consideration are:
• Technical know-how of solution provider
• Solution provider’s ability to provide varied solutions
• Sustainability in the long run
• Commitment of management towards customer or customer focus
• Capabilities in operation and maintenance.

– Himanshu Laghate, Head Procurement and expediting (IWG),
VA Tech Wabag Ltd.