TERI's Workshop on ‘Benchmarking Industrial Water Use to Assist Policy for Improving Industrial Water Use’ Paves the Way for Sustainable Industry Practices
New Delhi, December 18, 2023: The Water Resources Division of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) successfully organised a workshop on ‘Enhancing water use efficiency in water intensive industrial sectors in India – Opportunities and challenges’ on Monday.
Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, inaugurated the event, setting the stage for discussions highlighting the need for crucial strategies and collective action to enhance the water use efficiency in India's industrial sector and water sector as a whole. Dr SK Sarkar, Distinguished Fellow, TERI and Former Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources provided insights on water sector challenges and introduction of the workshop. Shri Mannu Ji Upadhyay, Director, Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (National Water Mission), emphasised the need to establish water use benchmarks and incentive mechanisms to improve water use efficiency and management practices during his opening remarks.
Mr Anshuman, Director, TERI delivered a comprehensive overview of the project highlighting its genesis as well as key initiatives of TERI for benchmarking industrial water use efficiency in India.
A project presentation was delivered by Ms Niyati Seth, Associate Fellow, TERI, highlighting key outcomes, opportunities and benchmarks for water use efficiency in various water intensive industrial sectors viz. Thermal Power Plants, Textile, Pulp & Paper and Iron and Steel.
One of the highlight of the workshop was the panel discussion moderated by Mr Anshuman, which delved into the opportunities and challenges of enhancing water use efficiency in water-intensive industrial sectors in India. The diverse panel included Mr SS Kacker, Ex-General Manager, NTPC Limited, Mr Naresh Chandra, Senior General Manager, Century Pulp & Paper, Mr Pankaj Satija, Managing Director, Tata Steel Mining Limited, Shri Mannu Ji Upadhyay, Director, Bureau of Water Use Efficiency, and Dr RK Singh, Scientist, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Each panelist delivered key messages and proposed interventions during the discussion.
The workshop was graced by the presence of Ms Archana Varma, Mission Director, National Water Mission, DoWR, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti, who delivered the keynote address. She emphasised on the importance of setting benchmarks in the path towards optimal water use efficiency and quoted, "We all have to commit ourselves to policies that save the planet, the environment, and the future of our children." She highlighted that benchmarking of industrial water use should also be seen in the context of the global vision of our honourable Prime Minister – a lifestyle for the environment and not just for profit.
The workshop concluded with remarks by Mr Anshuman and Dr SK Sarkar, followed by a vote of thanks by Ms Niyati Seth expressing gratitude to all the speakers, panelists, participants and guests as well as all the industries who participated in the project.
The workshop proved to be a pivotal platform for industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate and address the pressing challenges surrounding water use efficiency in key industrial sectors. The diverse perspectives shared by esteemed speakers shed light on innovative approaches, best practices, and technological advancements essential for sustainable water management. The workshop not only disseminated valuable insights and outcomes but also underscored the collective commitment towards building a resilient and environmentally responsible future. TERI remains dedicated to fostering ongoing dialogues and initiatives that contribute to the holistic and sustainable management of water resources in India.