core sector communique

Agency for Conservation of Water by Industries

Government proposes to set up an agency to encourage conservation of water by industries. The proposal to set up National Bureau of Water Use Efficiency inter alia envisages taking necessary steps to improve water use efficiency and encourage conservation of water in agriculture, domestic and industrial sectors. The National Commission on Integrated Water Resources Development had assessed the demand of water in industry as 81 billion cubic metres by the year 2050. In view of the growing demand of water due to population growth, rapid industrialization and urbanisation, there is a need to conduct audit of water consumption by industries to ensure optimum utilisation of available water resources. The Government has formulated National Manufacturing Policy which, inter-alia, stipulates mandatory water audit for industrial and institutional units in National Investment and Manufacturing Zones. This information was given by the Minister of State for Water Resources and Minority Affairs Shri Vincent H. Pala in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.