Large Investments Needed for India's Water Management Sector
The premiere of IFAT INDIA, which takes place at the Bombay Exhibition Center in Mumbai from October 24 – 26, 2013, is already attracting a great deal of attention from international exhibitors and visitors. India’s “Leading Trade Fair for Water, Sewage, Refuse and Recycling” is expecting to host more than 100 exhibitors and approximately 6,000 visitors. The show will feature 64,600 sq ft of exhibition space.
India’s water sector is currently facing large challenges: While demand is high, a pronounced shortage in supply exists. According to a report by Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), sewage systems are also in need of modernization. According to official statistics, approximately 700 billion euros need to be invested in the municipal infrastructure between now and 2031. India’s major metropolitan areas are constantly growing, as is the need for fresh water. At the same time, the water table is sinking.
In addition, India does not have something considered standard in most European cities: a well-developed water supply network. Some 97 million people in India do not have access to drinking water, and approximately 70% of the population does not have access to modern sanitary facilities. According to the GTAI report, there is an urgent need for action in this area.