ONGC observed World Water Day in association with UNESCO & UN Global Compact Network India on 22nd March, 2018.In order to create mass awareness on water conservation & protection of water, two major studies- the UN World Water Development Report 2018 and Industrial Water Index have been released. The UN World Water Development Report 2018 was released by Mr. Shigeru Aoyagi-Director and UNESCO Representative to India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
While addressing the audience, Mr. Aoyagi underscored the need for creating awareness on water conservation. He also outlined the salient points of the UN World Water Development Report 2018.
The Industrial Water Index soft launch was released by Mr. DD Misra, Director (HR), ONGC Ltd and Chair – Asia Pacific Resource Centre (APRC), UN GCNI along with the Accenture Strategy team. The Industrial Water Index is based on an in-depth analysis of 7 industrial sectors (which account for a major share of industrial consumption and discharge) and comprises of around 20 distinct parameters to assess organizational performance on water management.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Misra said that the industrial water benchmarking study was conducted to assess the underlying water related risks and challenges and to explore potential solutions to achieve long-term sustainability of the Indian Industry. Mr Misra said that though the Oil & Gas Sector is a relatively less water intensive, its contribution of 15% contribution to GDP implies that even a minor disturbance due to water scarcity could result in a significant economic impact.
Mr Misra also said that he was convinced that the Industrial Water Index would become a critical tool for companies across sectors to conduct a holistic self-assessment of their water management practices. He said, “We are proud that the initiative has come from an emerging economy, India and APRC-GCNI; and not from the developed world.”
Over 250 delegates attended the event representing UN Policy makers, CSOs, Corporates, Public and Private Sector, Government and Academia. The key dignitaries on the dias included Mr. D D Misra, Director (HR), ONGC Ltd and Chair – Asia Pacific Resource Centre (APRC), UN GCNI, Mr. Sundeep Singh, Senior Principal, Accenture Strategy, Dr. Ram Boojh National Programme Officer, Ecological Sciences, UNESCO, Mr. Shigeru Aoyagi Director and UNESCO Representative to India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka and Mr. Kamal Singh, Executive Director, UN GCNI.