Water Dialogue Series – Driving Collaboration for Water Stewardship

Frank Water initiated the Water Dialogue Series as a dynamic platform to unite stakeholders interested in and working in water stewardship. Emerging from the collaborative Beyond the Boundary (BtB) project, implemented in watersheds across Bengaluru and Chennai, the series is co-organised with the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Triveni Water Institute (CII-TWI).

The inaugural event, held on 10 December 2024 in Chennai, focused on the Water-Climate-Livelihood Nexus and the critical role of corporate engagement.  One of the sessions featured insights from the BtB project’s water allocation study in Sriperumbudur, underlining the necessity of collaborative frameworks to balance human needs, environmental sustainability, and equitable access.

Key Highlights

1. Industry Perspectives on Water Stewardship
   Representatives from Infosys Ltd, VA Tech Wabag, Grundfos, and IIT-Madras shared insights on managing water risks, promoting water stewardship, and navigating collective action challenges. They highlighted the importance of aligning enterprise-level initiatives with broader community needs to ensure sustainable outcomes.
2. Moderated Panel Discussions
   The sessions, moderated by Dr. Himanshu Kulkarni (ACWADAM) and Avinash Mishra (CII-TWI), encouraged delegates to explore unified approaches for equitable water allocation. Attendees included key representatives from industries and organisations in Tamil Nadu, fostering a rich exchange of experiences and strategies.
3. Insights from Leaders
   • Mr. Purushottaman (Danfoss) proposed that Sriperumbudur could serve as a “lighthouse” watershed, offering valuable lessons for managing water resources amidst industrial growth.
   • Ms. Usha Subramaniam (Grundfos) emphasised the water-energy nexus, advocating for inclusive planning incorporating local communities.
   • Mr. Vinay Devaiah (Infosys) shared the company’s commitment to lake restoration and education, highlighting CSR’s role in water advocacy.
   • Mr. Karthikeyan (Titan Industries) stressed the need for regulatory mechanisms tailored to urban water use.
4. Government Insights
   Mr. Damodaran (Executive Engineer, Irrigation Dept, TN Govt) showcased the role of water user associations in effective irrigation management, underscoring their relevance to broader stewardship efforts.

Conclusion

The dialogue concluded with a consensus on the need for source-based water stewardship strategies that differentiate between surface and groundwater management. Dr. Kulkarni framed this as understanding the “provenance” of water—tracing its source rather than merely focusing on access points.

Mr. Purushottaman recommended regular dialogues to foster cross-sector collaboration, addressing information gaps and driving collective action in water management, particularly in industrial zones. Delegates lauded the series as a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge and catalysing impactful partnerships.

Frank Water remains committed to advancing water stewardship through collaboration, innovation, and community inclusion. Together, we can create sustainable solutions for water security and resilience.

Watch the full session below.