Schneider Electric and WRD Maharashtra partner to modernise wastewater management technologies

By OEM Update Editorial July 30, 2024 4:40 pm IST

Schneider Electric is partnering with the Water Resources Department (WRD) in Maharashtra. The partnership aims to address India’s 40 percent water loss due to leaks and foster sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in the water sector. 

Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, is collaborating with the Water Resources Department (WRD), Maharashtra, to sensitise officials on modernising water and wastewater (WWW) management using the latest digital technologies. This partnership is a continuation of Schneider Electric’s support for the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s efforts to increase technology adoption for sustainable water management in India.

India, a country grappling with a staggering 40 percent water loss due to leaks, is a significant strain on its water table, posing a threat to its economic advancement. In response to this challenge, Schneider Electric has made it its mission to confront the complexities of water management and address the urgent need to foster sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in the water sector. 

With this partnership with the Government of Maharashtra, Schneider Electric has reaffirmed its commitment to championing responsible water management. As part of this collaboration, the company aims to drive awareness among stakeholders, encouraging the adoption of innovative digital technologies to elevate efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in water management processes.

Schneider Electric’s end-to-end IoT platform, EcoStruxure, offers real-time data, analytics, and professional services to increase water consumption efficiency, decrease leaks, and optimize water distribution. EcoStruxure also offers advanced diagnostics and seamless IT/OT integration to future-proof operations.

The event was attended by key dignitaries including Sanjay Khandare, IAS, Principal Secretary, Water Supply & Sanitation Department, Government of Maharashtra, Sanjay Belsare, Secretary, Project Coordination, Water Resources Department, Government of Maharashtra and Aman Mittal, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Water Supply & Sanitation Department, Government of Maharashtra. These dignitaries gathered to discuss the pressing need to embrace digital technologies in the facilitation of a more sustainable water network.

Sanjay Belsare, IAS, Secretary-CAD, Water Resources Department, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Integrating digital solutions into water management practices can lead to more efficient, resilient, and sustainable use of water as well as energy resources, thereby addressing the growing challenges posed by factors such as population growth, urbanisation, and climate change.”

Aman Mittal, IAS, Deputy Secretary, Water Supply and Sanitation Department, Government of Maharashtra, suggests the creation of mass awareness about the true potential of digital technologies, which is critical to addressing issues related to water resources. Digital solutions encompass various technologies such as data analytics, IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, remote monitoring systems, and predictive modelling algorithms. AI and machine learning algorithms can analyse water-related data to improve water distribution, predict droughts or floods, and make better water management decisions. Drone images and remote sensing could help map traditional water bodies, assess their health, and identify replenishment or restoration needs. Also, chatbots and solutions built around them could serve as virtual water conservation aides, offering personalised advice and raising awareness about the judicious use of water and resources.

Arvind Kakru, Vice President, Industrial Automation, Greater India at Schneider Electric, said, “At Schneider Electric, we strongly believe that India’s journey towards water conservation and innovation is crucial for realising its developmental aspirations. The significance of water in our progress cannot be overstated, and the impact of leakage on our water resources and energy usage cannot be ignored. Water conservation directly translates to energy conservation and secures our future. Through our collaboration with the Water Resources Department, Maharashtra, Schneider Electric is committed to engaging stakeholders in breaking the cycle of waste and establishing a circular system for efficient energy and water management. Together, we are dedicated to maximising the value of every drop, driving innovation to combat energy and water waste, and paving the way for a more sustainable future.”

Schneider Electric is also partnering with the Ministry of Jal Shakti to develop a skill development programme for eco-warriors, focusing on next-gen technology in water governance, efficient operations, sustainable water management, water conservation, and digital desalination processes.