The country should focus more on using recycled water due to decreasing availability of water, said A B Pandya, member of the Central Water Commission and former additional secretary to Ministry of Water Resources.
Speaking during the inauguration of Chemtech South 2013, Pandya said the government is currently focusing on improving brackish water besides setting up thermal desalination plants and improving water efficiency. Delivering the keynote address, Nayak said that there has been a migration to coastal areas of the country due to growing commercial interest. This has put enormous pressure on the coastal cities to provide water to the residents.
He also highlighted the success of low temperature thermal desalination plant in Kavarati in Lakshwadweep to satisfy drinking water needs. He said the low temperature desalination plant resulted in an end to all water borne diseases in the area.
The event was earlier inaugurated by Tamil Nadu governor K Rosaiah. Tamil Nadu Industries Minister P Thangamani and Union secretary for Earth sciences Ministry Shailesh Nayak were also present during the occasion. Rosaiah highlighted that the southern region is gearing up for promising growth with the announcement of Cuddalore as a petroleum, chemical and petro-chemical investment region (PCPIR).
Jasu Shah, founder and chairman of Chemtech Foundation, B Narayan, group president (procurement and projects), Relaince Industries Limited also spoke on the occasion. More than 200 exhibitors are participating in the event.