When we started this exhibition, we were a group of five or six professionals with experience in the water sector. We recognised that water scarcity would continue to be one of the world’s most significant challenges. That realisation led us to create this platform.
As India faces growing water stress, innovation and collaboration have become essential for ensuring a sustainable water future. At the EAW Global Aqua Expo 2026, industry leaders, policymakers, and technology providers came together to discuss emerging solutions and challenges in the water sector.
TFT: To begin, could you tell us about the concept behind this event?
Shivani: I am proud to say that we have been working in the water and wastewater sector for the past 26 years. We were among the first organisations to launch a publication dedicated to the water sector at a time when very few people were discussing these issues. We also started trade shows focused on water and wastewater management to bring together all stakeholders, including government bodies, industries, consumers, and end-users, on a common platform.
The purpose of this trade show is not simply to organise an event. It is a platform that brings together policymakers, stakeholders, investors, utilities, industries, technology providers, embassies, and consultants under one roof. It provides an opportunity for them to interact, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions that can lead to practical solutions.
TFT: How did the idea of organising an exhibition focused on water and wastewater management originate, and what changes have you witnessed over the years?
Shivani: When we started this exhibition, we were a group of five or six professionals with experience in the water sector. We recognised that water scarcity would continue to be one of the world’s most significant challenges. That realisation led us to create this platform. We published our first issue containing technical articles and began educating people about water and wastewater management. At that time, when we spoke about treating sewage water and making it suitable for drinking, people found it difficult to believe. They would ask, “How can sewage water be treated and made safe for drinking?”
Those ideas seemed unusual back then, but today wastewater treatment and reuse have become widely accepted.
There was also a time when people would say, “One day we will have to buy drinking water.”
Today, purchasing drinking water is completely normal. People rarely think about the fact that there was a time when drinking water was freely available. A great deal has changed over the past 26 years, and I believe many more changes are yet to come. Technology is advancing rapidly. We are seeing the increasing use of AI, drones, leak-detection systems, and automation in the water sector.
One of India’s biggest challenges is water leakage and water theft during distribution. The government is working to address these issues by introducing advanced equipment capable of detecting leaks and identifying areas where water theft may be occurring.
TFT: How many exhibitors are participating in this year’s event?
Shivani: Approximately 150 exhibitors are participating. We have both national and international participants. In total, 18 international companies are participating. We have companies from China, South Korea, Italy, the United States, Switzerland, and France. We also have a dedicated Switzerland Pavilion at the exhibition.
TFT: What major initiatives is the government implementing at the national level to address water scarcity across the country?
Shivani: Government awareness and focus on water issues have increased tremendously.
As I mentioned earlier, when we began discussing these issues more than 25 years ago, very few people were paying attention. Today, awareness has reached an entirely different level.
One of the government’s major initiatives is “Har Ghar Jal, Swachh Jal,” which aims to provide clean drinking water to every household through tap-water connections.
The broader vision is that the water supplied through household taps should already be clean and safe for drinking, eliminating the need for domestic water purifiers. The government is introducing several initiatives in this direction.
Our Jal Shakti Minister also visited the exhibition and inaugurated the event. He interacted openly with exhibitors showcasing new products and technologies. He sought suggestions regarding policy improvements, technological adoption, and ways to build a better future for India’s water sector.
TFT: Have you prepared any specific recommendations that you would like to share with the government?
Shivani: We first need to consult with industry stakeholders, gather their perspectives, and formulate a set of recommendations. Once that process is complete, we will present our suggestions to the government.
TFT: Based on your international experience, are there any policies or practices from other countries that India could adopt?
Shivani: One of the most impressive things in many developed countries is that people can drink water directly from the tap. You do not see water purifiers installed in every household. Even in public spaces where people refill their water bottles, separate purification systems are rarely visible.
Their water supply systems are so well managed and maintained that citizens have complete confidence in the quality of water provided by the government. I would like India to reach that level as well.
Ideally, every household should receive clean and safe drinking water directly through the tap, especially for children, so that people do not fall ill due to contaminated water.
I would be proud if one day we could say that domestic water purifiers are no longer necessary because agencies such as the Delhi Jal Board and other water suppliers are delivering clean drinking water directly to every home.
TFT: Another concern regarding water purifiers, particularly RO systems, is that they remove essential minerals from water. What are your views on this?
Shivani: Yes, and this is where public awareness becomes very important.
Some people are aware of this issue, while others are not. Every technology has its advantages and limitations. When UV technology was introduced, similar discussions took place. Then came RO technology, and now we are seeing the emergence of alkaline water systems.
If you look around the exhibition today, you will see several companies promoting alkaline water technology. At present, it is relatively expensive, so people may not adopt it immediately. However, as awareness grows and people understand its benefits, adoption is likely to increase.
As you correctly pointed out, RO purifiers can remove some of the minerals that our bodies require.
This is precisely the kind of awareness that we aim to build through our platform and our monthly publication.
TFT: Every summer, Delhi faces concerns about water scarcity and water crises. Have you had discussions with the Delhi Government regarding this issue?
Shivani: Yes, we have had several discussions with the Delhi Jal Board.
In fact, you may have seen that the Delhi Jal Board has been promoting the “Catch the Rain” initiative. The objective is to educate people at the household level about rainwater harvesting and water conservation.
During the monsoon season, we often witness heavy rainfall and waterlogging. At the same time, we are facing increasing water scarcity. Therefore, people need to understand that while water may appear abundant during certain periods, it must be conserved for future generations.
That is why households are being encouraged to install rainwater harvesting systems. Every drop of water that can be conserved or reused is important because water management and treatment are among the most pressing needs of our time.
TFT: However, Delhi does not receive heavy rainfall throughout the year. Do you think rainwater harvesting is a sufficiently reliable and sustainable solution?
Shivani: I would not say otherwise. Rainfall patterns vary from year to year. Some years may be relatively dry, while others may experience excessive rainfall. For example, last year saw unusually heavy rainfall.
Although Delhi may not receive as much rainfall as certain other regions, we should still make use of whatever rainwater is available during the monsoon. In states such as Maharashtra and in many coastal regions where rainfall is significantly higher, rainwater harvesting becomes even more important.
We need to incorporate these practices into our daily lives.
Consider how people’s attitudes toward drinking water have changed over time. There was a time when people drank tap water without questioning its quality. Gradually, awareness increased, and people realised the importance of purifying water to protect their health. As purchasing power increased, water purifiers became common household appliances.
Today, almost every household has a water purifier. Similarly, I believe that awareness about water conservation can also become a regular part of household thinking in the near future.
TFT: What role can the industry play in addressing these challenges?
Shivani: The industry can contribute through innovation and technology. For example, drones, camera-based systems, and several other advanced solutions are being introduced to improve water management and monitoring.
TFT: What do you see as the future of the water industry?
Shivani: The future is enormous.
The water crisis is already here, and it will continue to be a major challenge, especially as groundwater levels continue to decline rapidly.
We must preserve our water resources not only for ourselves but also for future generations.
Continuous awareness and education are extremely important. The water industry has tremendous potential, and its future is exceptionally promising.
TFT: What are some of the major challenges faced by industry players?
Shivani: One of the biggest challenges for industry players is pricing.
If a product is expensive, or if an international technology enters the Indian market and companies want the government to adopt it, cost often becomes a major obstacle.
India is quite price-sensitive, and affordability remains an important factor.
Apart from that, I believe the government is generally open and adaptive when it comes to adopting new technologies and solutions.
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