Clean Ganga mission—‘Namami Gange’—has the potential to play a significant role in boosting economic growth along its riverine states through creation of employment opportunities, supporting small- and medium-scale industries, as well as through other indirect benefits like reduced incidences of diseases like malaria and diarrhea. This session will aim to identify the opportunities and challenges for the potential of Clean Ganga mission towards the country’s economic development.

With the focus on cleanliness and hygiene, the key objective of the SBA mission is complete elimination of open defecation from the country, eradicating manual scavenging, and better solid waste management. This mission has the potential to act as a powerful tool for empowering the society. The session will aim to explore the linkages of SBA mission with social empowerment of local communities.

Agriculture has been the backbone of the Indian economy, providing livelihood to more than half of the country’s population. However, it is also regarded as the largest water consuming sector, while being responsible for non-point pollution source for the rivers. Considering the significance of agriculture and its dependence on water, it is important to manage the resources effectively in the purview of increasing demand for food grains. Given the low WUE in the sector there is an immense potential towards water savings. The session will focus on the associated challenges and available best solutions.

Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and natural processes to manage water and create healthier urban environments. Downspout disconnection, Rain Gardens, Planter Boxes, Bioswales, and Permeable Pavements are some important structures, which could constitute green infrastructures and reduce a city’s water shortage problems. The panel will aim to deliberate on applicability of these solutions in the local context.

Transboundary water challenges have gained significance with the growing complexities of upper and lower riparian issues. With the increasing water scarcity the transboundary conflicts may gain momentum, however, simultaneously there exists opportunities for effective collaborations with potential for shared benefits. Transboundary water collaboration provides a driving force to improve regional economic integration and development of both the upper as well as the lower riparian population. The session will discuss the challenges, opportunities as well as the examples of effective cooperation for successful trans-boundary water management.

Water security is important for development of any sector. Corporate sector can play a crucial role in management of the resource by leveraging between stakeholders and users. This session will explore various modes through which the corporate sector can play a crucial role in the water sector, which will also include their role as investment providers, corporate water stewardship, and privatization of services.