03 Nov 2021
The 26th United Nations climate change conference, COP26, will see discussions on the Paris Agreement as well as on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. It will also highlight the impact of climate change on water resources, as the issue of water stress and security has been affecting several countries across the globe. Factors like water depletion, contamination, decline in groundwater, unregulated irrigation in agriculture and untreated wastewater discharge are contributing to the global water scarcity.
Policymakers at the centre and state-level, Industry and local communities in India have been working in tandem to ease India out of this conundrum. CII Triveni-Water Institute is a unique institution that addresses water-related issues in a holistic manner. The institute engages with stakeholders and facilitates water management, water conservation and wastewater treatment by identifying cost-effective, scalable, commercially viable and sustainable tools and technologies. Some interventions undertaken by the institute are:
Water Audit
CII’s water audit provides greater water efficiency solutions and cost savings for meeting internal policies, complying with legal obligations and demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. The institute identifies areas of higher specific water use, assesses wastewater pollutant load and determines techniques for mitigation through the application of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) principle. It guides stakeholders to implement strategies that help reduce water usage, minimize wastewater generation and maximize recovery.
Remote Water Audits
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, remote water audits were introduced by the institute in 2020. Remote auditing is the process by which auditors couple information and communication technology with data analytics to assess the accuracy of data and internal controls, gather electronic evidence and interact with clients, all without the need to be physically present.
With solutions based on data analysis and a deep understanding of processes, remote water audits deliver benefits similar to those accrued from physical audits.
Zero Liquid Discharge
Zero Liquid discharge (ZLD) includes setting up of facilities that ensure absolute recycling of industrial effluents into solid residue. The institute’s Roadmap towards Zero Liquid Discharge comprises of short-term and long-term priorities in eliminating the discharge of wastewater into nearby water bodies or land by enabling efficient recycling of wastewater streams.
Water Pinch Analysis
It is a systematic technique for reducing water consumption and wastewater generation by integrating water-use activities and processes. The system considers water reuse opportunities by carefully analyzing flows and quality of different streams. The process aims to maximize water efficiency at minimum capital expenses.
Water Resource Evaluation and Planning Tool (WATSCAN)
WATSCAN is a tool that can be used for designing a basket of strategies for balanced water demand and supply management in the watershed. It is an integrated IT driven, GIS and remote sensing-based information system that identifies and designs water management strategies and demonstrates improved water scenarios. It devises water management interventions to ensure better water availability in the project areas.
Blue Rating System for companies (BlueCO)
This is a first of its kind integrated rating system for water which evaluates a company with a perspective of sustainability of business operations with respect to water. It also considers the efforts made by the company to improve efficiency of water use in business operations, as well as for ensuring continuous uninterrupted supply of water throughout the year. The system allows industry to plan their water management initiatives, enables identification of problem areas and helps the management prepare a “Roadmap for achieving Water Security” for individual as well as corporate units.
Through interventions aimed at conserving water and implementation of water management strategies, the institute has been positively impacting the lives and livelihoods at the community level too. Rejuvenation of lakes and ponds, adoption and conservation of wetlands, building aquifers, watersheds and rainwater catchments are some of the initiatives undertaken as a part of institute’s outreach programmes.