“With the Indian Govt. key focus targeted around improving the infrastructure, boost public transport and provide clean drinking water, under constructive initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission, AMRUT, Smart Cities, Har Ghar Jal, we know India has realized the criticality of water usage and conservation concerns today. To envision the next step in the upcoming Union Budget 2021, firstly, deriving key insights from global smart water management success use cases India should allocate budgetary focus to encourage digital shift and technological advancement to implement those best practices like deploying cutting-edge smart water meters especially in Indian Tier 2 & 3 cities to balance the exponential population shift and strained water supply network.  

Secondly, under the Atmanirbhar Bharat aim, spotlighting water infrastructural investment through high value partnership with global players that is stable, long term, equitable and commendable in nature is vital. 

With the clear signals of a looming water crisis both on the surface and groundwater front, it is necessary for specific budgetary for the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. The COVID 19 pandemic has made us rethink the importance of the concept of water digitalization and the need for improving India’s water infrastructure network and management system.  Going forward, India needs more cities to understand, adopt, and retrieve the benefit of digital water infrastructure. Our Govt. is also putting continuous efforts to encourage the use of digital technologies, artificial intelligence solutions, etc., which will play a critical role in saving India’s water resources. Thirdly, budgetary agenda where all water stakeholders can function hand-in-hand to make India a water independent nation will be necessary for the economy to thrive”.

Amit Vaidya, Director, India – Metrology Business, Sensus, a Xylem brand