From artificial intelligence to state-of-the-art infrastructure development approaches, US companies aim to partner with their peers to accelerate innovative technologies and solutions into the Indian market. In a session on Digital Water, Dr. Ravi Kota, Minister of the Economic – Embassy of India, Washington, said, “The United States can be a great ally in building India’s Digital foundation for the water sector.” Xavier Chauvet De Beauchene, Senior Water and Sanitation Specialist at the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development said that the bank is very proud of all the work done in India. “Who would have thought 5 years ago that 550 million people would stop defecating in the open in India.” He added that there is a massive shift in the Indian Government’s approach from focusing only on infrastructure development to working with people and bringing about behaviour change.

He also emphasized the importance of data. “The problem cannot be solved if it is not understood and quantified.” India has also taken many endeavours in this direction. He observed many tasks at the work-in-progress stage, but it’s a perfect start. Mr. Ben Grumble, Secretary of Environment, Maryland, stressed the need for nations to learn from each other’s experiences. He said that “equity” of water is very essential and shared the success story of the US Clean Water Act. Interestingly, India, too, has launched the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ with the goal of equal water distribution to all. Usha Rao Monari, Senior Advisor at Blackstone Infrastructure Group and Board, presenting the Thames River cleaning up case, said that a good mix of policy and finance led to effective river cleaning. Notably,

The discussion was organized as a part of the 5th India Water Impact Summit by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Center for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga).

Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General, NMCG, said, “We are glad that our efforts are being recognized by the international fraternity now.” He attributes the success of the Namami Gange Mission to his team, volunteers, academicians, and many self-help organizations who are working continuously towards the cause of cleaning Ganga and her tributaries under the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, and the guidance of the Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Source: Press Release Release ID: 1680425 Date: December 13, 2020 PIB Delhi Ministry of Jal Shakti