india-israel-to-launch-water-tech-center-at-iit-madras

India and Israel have taken a significant step forward in their strategic partnership by signing a joint statement to establish a Center of Water Technology at IIT Madras in Chennai. This collaboration marks a new chapter in addressing the critical challenges of water management in India, with a particular focus on sustainable solutions for urban water supply.

 

The agreement, a tripartite arrangement between the Embassy of Israel, IIT Madras, and the AMRUT mission of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, underscores the shared commitment of both nations to work together on one of the most pressing issues of our time—water scarcity and management.

 

The Center of Water Technology aims to serve as a hub for innovation, research, and capacity-building in the field of water technologies, drawing on the expertise and experience of both Indian and Israeli scientists and engineers.

 

Israel, known globally as a leader in Integrated Water Resources Management, brings a wealth of knowledge and cutting-edge technology to the table. The partnership is expected to not only enhance India's capabilities in managing its water resources but also contribute to the global conversation on sustainable water management practices.

 

To kickstart this initiative, a capacity-building course on “24/7 Water Supply in Urban Areas” was organised at IIT Madras from August 5 to 8, 2024. This course reflects the practical and immediate impact that the new centre aims to have, focusing on real-world applications of advanced water management techniques.

 

Naor Gilon, the Ambassador of Israel to India, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating that it reflects the deep commitment of both countries to address the pressing challenges of water scarcity and management.

 

He emphasised that the establishment of the Center of Water Technology at IIT Madras is not just a symbol of the strong partnership between India and Israel but also a concrete step towards developing innovative solutions that will benefit millions of people in India.

 

The Embassy of Israel in India also expressed its commitment to fostering cooperation in water technology and management. The new centre is expected to play a crucial role in helping India achieve a sustainable water supply for all, a goal that is increasingly urgent in the face of growing urbanisation and climate change.

 

The Center of Water Technology will work towards the mutual exchange of technology, scientific information, and literature between the two countries. It will also facilitate discussions and consultations on various issues in water management, bringing together experts from both nations to address problems related to drinking water, sewerage management, and other critical areas. The centre is expected to develop new areas of intervention, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable water management in India.

 

In addition to its research and innovation activities, the Center of Water Technology will focus on specific projects related to integrated water resources management, urban water supply, and non-revenue water, among other areas.

 

These projects will demonstrate the most advanced technologies in the field, providing practical solutions to the challenges faced by Indian cities and towns in managing their water resources.

 

This partnership between India and Israel is a testament to the power of international collaboration in addressing global challenges. By combining their strengths and expertise, both countries are poised to make significant strides in the field of water management, ensuring a more sustainable and secure future for generations to come.