CIIs Commitment to Water Security

Water is a vital factor of life that touches every aspect of development and growth. It also forms an important part of economic, social and environmental development and is linked with nearly every Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Similarly, water security is a critical pillar for India’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Recognising this, Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has been consistently championing the cause of water security through its initiatives and actionable plans in the industry and beyond.

CII-Triveni Water Institute (CII-TWI)

One among CIIs 9 Centers of Excellence, CI-TWI is a unique institution where government, industry and civil society are working together to address water related issues. Established in 2008, the institute is working towards making India a water secure nation through effective and sustainable water management practices at the grassroots level.

Some of its key interventions include:

• Water pinch analysis is a systematic technique for achieving regress performance targets for freshwater recovery, wastewater recovery and material (salts) recovery.
• WATSCAN or water resource evaluation and planning tool is an IT driven, GIS and remote- sensing based information system. It enables comprehensive watershed evaluation, aimed at devising community centric waster management interventions. The use of WATSCAN has helped improve water use efficiency by 40-50% with cost effective strategies.
• India Water Tool (IWT) is an online tool that helps companies undertake first level screening to assess water related risks related to availability and quality of water in both surface and ground water resources. It uses digitized database and an interactive GIS based platform.

• In at attempt to make industries more water sustainable, the institute has devised an ‘Action Plan cum Roadmap towards Zero Liquid discharge (ZLD)’ to eliminate discharge of wastewater into nearby water bodies or on land, by enabling efficient recycling of wastewater streams. Following this approach can lead to water cost savings of up to Rs.6 Lakhs per day immediately lead to 20-30% reduction in water use.
• The CII Water Institute also helps conduct water audits in industries to identify areas of higher specific water use, assess wastewater pollutant load and determine techniques for mitigation through the application of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) principle.

CII- TWI also conducts the Water Innovation Summit each year to bring together leaders and practitioners on integrated water management strategies and addressing national and global water challenges.

CII National Committee on Water (NCW)

The NCW is a high-level stakeholder’s forum that is works on steering policy advocacy and capacity building in the water sector. The committee aims to create awareness an promote cost- effective solution in water management multi-stakeholder engagement.

With two core groups, namely Core Group on Promotion of New and Cutting-edge Technology for Wastewater Management and Core Group on Climate Change and Water, NCW works extensively with the Government to bring tangible impact in the water policy spheres. 

CII National Water Awards for Excellence in Water Management

Over the years, CII- National Water Awards for Excellence in Water Management has become a benchmark for recognition of industries contributing in making a Water Secure World. Since its inception, more than 650+ industries have been recognised for their efficient water management being conducted through operation, innovations or CSR activities. The three categories of awards include within the fence, beyond the fence and innovative water saving product.

CII is also involved in conducting various workshops, seminars, conferences and community level programs to incorporate operational, technological and behavioural changes to reduce waste and improve the water scenario. Some of its publications addressing water for climate neutrality and recognition of best practices have become a valuable resource for industries and policy makers striving towards sustainable water management.

The global climate crisis has led us into a new era of environmental urgency and water conservation is at the heart of its solution. The nexus between industry, government and public is crucial to address this issue, mitigate climate change and achieve a sustainable future.