Grant Thornton contributes to water management summit

Grant Thornton contributed as a knowledge partner to this year’s India Water Impact Summit, an initiative by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga). The event aimed at developing new and better methods of river basin management. 

This was the fourth edition of the Water Impact Summit, which took place between the 5th and 7th of December. Attendees ranged from infrastructure experts to government officials and investors, all geared at discussing the way forward for better water basin management in India.

The event had three specific focus areas. The first theme was the relationship of water management with the increasing number of smart cities across India. The government is heavily engaged in developing the necessary infrastructure and technology for smart cities, but water management in these areas requires more thought.

The second topic up for discussion was the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched by the Prime Minister this year to help enhance water distribution across rural areas. Adequately managing river basins and the related irrigation systems is a central aspect of achieving this goal.

The third theme analysed at the event was the nature of existing and required policy interventions when it comes to managing the Ganga River Basin. Discussions revolved around the Namami Gange Programme, launched in 2014 to tackle the substantial pollution problem in the Ganga. 

“River Ganga remains the lifeline of Indian Civilisation binding religious, cultural and socio- economic aspects. The national and international experts at this Summit explored technological, social and financial alternatives to develop a credible and sustainable model for rejuvenation of Ganga. I am glad the summit provided a common platform to private and public sectors to focus on integrated development of water sector,” said Kunal Sood, partner at Grant Thornton India.

Accounting and consulting firm Grant Thornton was a knowledge partner of the event, offering expertise in water management, infrastructure development and technology.

Asgar Naqvi, Director at Grant Thornton India unpacked, “The discussions during the IWIS 2019 brought in several insights into India’s continued journey towards an integrated water resource. cGanga’s vision towards rejuvenation of the Ganga basin was strengthened with experience brought in from various stakeholder groups during the Summit. We have gathered some fantastic ideas to put forth on impact projects to begin with. A great experience for us all!”