Funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore have been allocated under various schemes for water projects here and the state government has sought participation of industry bodies for implementation of such schemes.
Assam Commissioner and Secretary Finance Ashish Kumar Bhutani said, the total fund allocated for Guwahati city water projects is Rs 3,000 crore.
"This is by far the largest intervention in any city in the world," he said while addressing a seminar organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in association with Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) here on the occasion of World Water Day.
He sought participation of the common people, industry and chamber associations "in implementation of this once in a lifetime project which is the life line for any habitat."
Speaking on the occasion, ICC Senior Assistant Director Anuradha Goswami said that water is fast emerging as "the key resource of the future" and demand for fresh water is growing at a tremendous pace aided by a growing population and increased industrialisation.
"Sustainable water management practices would require a concerted effort by the various stakeholders in the water sector -- public, private and end-user customers. However, the knowledge available in this area is still scattered and a platform to bring convergence of ideas is necessary," she said.
Guwahati Jal Board Managing Director Amit Sahai said there is a focus on innovations in water and sanitation technologies for the future.
"Stress has to be put on wastewater treatment and recycling using innovative technology, energy intensive technology for wastewater treatment, zero discharge usage in industry and public private partnerships in the water sector," he said.
