India is in the state of an extreme water crisis. Millions lack access to clean drinking water while a significant extent of the populace suffers from water-borne diseases. The nation ranks 13th on Aqueduct's list of 'extremely highly' water-stressed countries(1). As per Composition Water Management Index (CWMI) Report 2019 released by NITI Aayog, the country’s water demand is projected to be double the available supply in 2030, crippling the quality of life for hundreds of millions(2). A cascading effect threatens the nation’s growing economy, industry, food security, biodiversity, and sustainable society.
Overexploitation of groundwater for agricultural, industrial and domestic use coupled with inefficient and wasteful water management systems exacerbate the situation. Surprisingly, India is a water-surplus nation receiving 4,000 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of rain against its requirement of 3,000 BCM, according to the Central Water Commission(3). However, a mere 8% of this is captured necessitating the urgent need for rainwater harvesting.
Simultaneously, adoption of latest technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) enabled water monitoring and control systems will go a long way in optimizing the available water supply.
Taking stock of the situation, the Government of India and the State Governments are proactively implementing water conservation and management projects to ensure water security and good quality of life for 1.3 billion citizens of the nation. Hitachi, with its intelligent, IoT-driven Water Environment Solutions encompassing advanced water treatment, distribution & control systems and Pipe Network Management Systems, is actively partnering with the Government and local bodies in meeting the nation's ever-growing water requirement, equitably and sustainably.
estimated number of people die every year due to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene(2).
people in 12 major river basins of India are facing high to extreme water stress situation(2).
of rural households in India do not have individual piped water supply(2).
live without access to clean water close to their homes(2).
of India’s surface water is contaminated(2).
estimated demand-supply gap for the domestic sector in 2030(2). (BCM - Billion cubic meters)
To stem the ongoing water crisis, the Government of India is according water management a high priority in its national agenda.
Brings interrelated water management functions such as supply, drinking water, and sanitation, as well as institutional structures under one umbrella.
To ensure “Nal se Jal” (water from the tap) for each rural household by 2024.
A time-bound campaign for water conservation & resource management in most water-stressed districts.
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation mission is to ensure robust sewage networks and water supply for urban transformation.
It’s estimated that by 2050, more than half of India or approximately 800 million people will be living in cities(2). Severe water shortage will not only impede urban growth and thereby economic progress but also reduce the quality of life for urban citizens, especially urban poor.
5 of the world’s 20 largest cities under water stress are in India, with Delhi being second on the list(2). Moreover, cities grapple with poor infrastructure which cause losses of almost 40% of piped water(4), warranting the application of robust water management systems.
Technological disruptions are ushering in Smart Water Systems - the future of sustainable water management. India too stands to benefit immensely from these innovations.
Smart water management systems synergize advanced technological solutions like smart meters, sensors, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems, Pipe Network Management System (PNMS), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to deliver a highly efficient water supply system to consumers.
Authorities have begun to realize the inefficiency of manual data recording which is prone to errors. SCADA systems, on the other hand, enable remote and real-time monitoring and control of plant operations, greatly assisting operators in intelligent decision making, preventive maintenance, and delivering timely customer service.
Additionally, this solution is empowering cities in addressing the critical issue of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) – lost water that yields no revenue. Take the example of India’s capital city New Delhi. Observing a high rate of Non-Revenue Water and poor maintenance management, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) with the help of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) implemented Pilot Project in designated DMA’s (District Metering Area) in Pitampura to improve water facility. As a part of this initiative, Field Sensors, Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), SCADA and Hitachi Pipe Network Management System (PNMS) were commissioned for real time monitoring of the hydraulic health of water distribution network in Pitampura Area. Further, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) collaborated with Hitachi India Private Limited - Infrastructure Systems Division for the Operation & Maintenance of SCADA and PNMS system in Pitampura area.
This first of its kind project in India has enabled Delhi’s water body to monitor the water distribution network real time, thereby providing equitable water distribution to the residents and effectively managing NRW in 3 DMA’s through remote monitoring and control at 14 local control points in Pitampura water distribution network. Being the first application of PNMS in India, the successful 24x7 operation and management process has paved the way for other cities to implement smart water management systems.
A synergizing of efforts of union and the state governments, local bodies, private sector, civil society groups, as well as citizens is the need of the hour to ensure every drop of water is judiciously used.
Hitachi is committed to its Social Innovation Business to tackle the country’s water woes. It’s holistic and globally recognized water environment solutions encompass advanced water treatment systems, Pipe Network Management System, and Water Distribution Control System for optimization of water and even distribution. Leveraging its trusted OT (Operational Technology) x IT expertise, Hitachi is helping governments and local bodies deliver safe drinking water to its people and drastically improve their Quality of Life.
1 - https://www.wri.org/blog/2019/08/17-countries-home-one-quarter-world-population-face-extremely-high-water-stress
2 - https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2019-08/CWMI-2.0-latest.pdf
3 - https://thewire.in/environment/chennai-water-crisis-global-shortage-world-resources-institute
4 - https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/water/india-s-water-crisis-the-clock-is-ticking-65217
Search
India
