Israel India | Business Guide | 2017

044 >Water > ‏ National Mission for Clean Ganga Israel-India > Business Guide > 2017 ‏ The potential offered by the project for Israel is enormous. Israeli companies,with their proven record in cleanwater technologies, could not only benefit from the programme but also gain from making in-roads into one of the world's biggest markets ‏ G anga,the longest andmost sacred river in India,is deeply connected to Indian history. All along its course, people bathe in the holy water to pay homage to their Gods and ancestors. Ashes from the pyre of dead people are often immersed in the river. Many holidays and festivals such as the famous Kumbh Mela are closely associated with the river. ‏ With a length of more than 2,500 Kms,the Ganga is the lifeline for about 40% of India's population spread across 11 States.Various urban centers (including the world's oldest cities like Varanasi and Patna) draw water from the river to meet their daily needs. ‏ Unfortunately,a rapidly increasing population,growing standards of living and exponential growth of industrialization and urbanization have exposed the river to massive deterioration in water quality. In some stretches,river water has become unfit even for bathing. Approximately,12,000million liters per day of sewage is generated, whereas only 4000 million liters are being treated. Though the share of industrial pollution is only about 20 percent, its toxic and non-biodegradable nature make it a grave danger to the river.There are more than 760 industrial units (mainly chemicals and paper) along the banks of the river.These units alone dump more than 500 million liters of wastewater into the river on a daily basis. Studies suggest that 80% of the health problems along the river basins have a direct link to contaminated water from the river. ‏ Looking for new technologies ‏ In 2014,the present Government announced the“Namami Gange” project (obeisance to the Ganga River) and allocated approximately USD 306 million towards the comprehensive project during that year.It was decided that the Federal Government will fund 100% of the projects undertaken and will provide for operation and maintenance of the assets created for a minimum 10-year period. ‏ This ambitious project has opened its doors to foreign investments. Besides foreign investments, new technologies relevant for the rejuvenation process such as pollution interception,wastewater treatment through bio-remediation,sewage treatment,industrial desalination, etc., offers immense potential for foreign entities. ‏ The potential offered by the project for Israel is enormous.Israeli companies,with their proven record in clean water technologies, could not only benefit from the programme but also gain from making in-roads into one of the world's biggest markets.Tie-ups with large Indian companies and conglomerates are associated perks. Some Israeli companies like Ayala Water Company and Aqwise are already on board. Testifying to the scope of the programme, Israeli Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel led a business delegation of water experts to India in April 2016 to take part in the IndiaWaterWeek,in which Israel was the partner country. The Holy River is in Need of Rejuvenation ‏ Israeli companies with proven record in clean water technologies can help and benefit from Clean Ganga Project Commercial Wing, Embassy of India in Israel photo by: © Samrat35 | Dreamstime.com