India’s National Water Policy encourages private sector participation in planning, development and management of water resources as this is viewed as a key area for introducing innovative ideas, generating financial resources and introducing corporate management and improving service efficiency and accountability to users. Vincent H Pala, Minister of State for Water Resources emphasized this point while addressing the 3rd India Business Forum at the recently concluded Singapore International Water Week.

“At the same time, providing services in the water sector should also be considered as a service to humanity, with the private sector coming forward to fulfill its corporate social responsibility”, Pala added. The Minister also elaborated on the “National Water Mission”.

Sanjeev Chadha, Chairman, CII National Committee on Water and Chairman, PepsiCo India, while chairing the Forum, pointed out that, “Water is not just India’s issue; it is the World’s issue. For sustainable solutions to our water issues, all nations need to work as a team. The problem needs to be acknowledged and understood before we can collectively think of solutions. The India Business Forum is unique because it brings the best minds with diverse experiences and expertise but a common interest together to provide fresh ideas and thinking”.

The India Business Forum was also addressed by experts from the water departments of many Indian States, including Delhi and Maharashtra, industry and experts. The Forum is part of the Singapore International Water Week, which is the global platform that brings policymakers, industry leaders, experts and practitioners together to address challenges, showcase technologies, discover opportunities and celebrate achievements in the water world.