Dilip Guha, New Delhi, 9 August 2026: The third day of EAW Global Aqua Expo 2026 marked the successful conclusion of the three-day water and wastewater exhibition at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with strong participation from water-sector professionals, technology providers, utilities, EPC firms, consultants, investors and industry stakeholders.
The 21st edition of the Expo, organised by the Earth Water Foundation, with ASSOCHAM as the Lead Industry Partner, brought together the water ecosystem for business networking, technology showcases, knowledge exchange and market-access opportunities under the theme “Shaping the Future of Water Through Innovation, Sustainability & Collaboration.”
Three-day expo brings together water-sector professionals, technology providers, utilities, EPC firms, investors and policymakers; final day focuses on technical capacity building
The final day focused on technical training and professional development through the EAW Water Academy, which hosted a full-day masterclass on “ETP, STP and ZLD Design Calculation and Troubleshooting”, led by Dr. Lokesh Kumar. The session brought together plant engineers, operators, consultants, EPC teams, utility professionals, industrial water managers, young professionals and researchers, with discussions centered on design calculations, troubleshooting, compliance and Zero Liquid Discharge practices.
Across the three days, the Expo provided a strong platform for business-to-business engagement and technology partnerships. The Global Water Business Lounge facilitated meetings between utilities, EPC firms, investors, exporters, consultants and technology providers, creating opportunities for business enquiries, partnerships and technology adoption.
The Government and Facilitation Hub and the SEPC Export Promotion and Market Information Table further supported market access and export-oriented discussions. The Innovation Spotlight Arena enabled technology companies and startups to present new products, live demonstrations and solutions directly to prospective buyers and industry decision-makers.
Day One focused on “India’s Water Transition: Technology, Policy and Circularity”, featuring the India Water Mandate 2030 inaugural session and the CEO’s Water Leadership Forum on “Driving Industrial Water Security for Viksit Bharat 2047.” The day also featured sessions on Industrial Water Capacity Building and Skill Development, Smart Water 4.0: AI, Waste to Wealth: Building India’s Circular Water Economy, and Climate Ready: ESG, Resilience and Future Water Infrastructure.
Senior speakers and experts participating on the first day included Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Ministry of Jal Shakti; Dr. Ambika Sharma, ASSOCHAM; Mr. Siddharth K. Desai, KISHOR Pumps; Mr. Turbaashu Bhattacharya, ASSOCHAM; Mr. Shankar Venkateswaran; Mr. Amit Kapoor, IOTA Group; Ms. D. Thara, IAS, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; and Mr. Anirudh Dubey, Delhi Jal Board, along with experts from leading water and technology organisations.
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Day Two focused on global water business, resilience and market access, with sessions covering the World Sustainable Water Summit, Water Security, Infrastructure & Partnerships, and the South Asia Rainwater Forum. Discussions addressed global market opportunities for Indian water companies, standards and certification, financing of water infrastructure, water security, rainwater harvesting, resilient communities and regional collaboration.
Day Two featured experts including Shri Durga Shanker Mishra, IAS, former Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Prashant Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Water Resources, Government of Jharkhand; Padma Shri Uma Shankar Pandey; Dr. Tanuja Ariyananda, CEO and Convenor, SARNET; Mr. Han Heijnen, International Rainwater Harvesting Alliance; Ms. Karma Uden, Tarayana Foundation, Bhutan; Dr. S.V. Murugan, National Agro Foundation; and Ms. Swati Bhatia, Centre for Science and Environment, among others.
Speaking on the conclusion of the Expo, Ms. Shivani Ghorawat, Founder, Earth Water Foundation, said, “The strength of a water industry platform is measured by the partnerships and opportunities that emerge from it. This edition brought together technology providers, buyers, utilities, policymakers and industry leaders, creating meaningful opportunities for business engagement, knowledge exchange and collaboration. The focus now is on converting these connections into solutions that can be implemented at scale.”
SARNET Highlights South Asia’s Rainwater Solutions
The South Asia Rainwater Network (SARNET), initiated by the Lanka Rainwater Harvesting Forum in 2020, participated as the expo’s official Rainwater Harvesting Partner. Through its dedicated SARNET Corridor, the network showcased community-based practices, technological innovations and practical approaches to rainwater harvesting. SARNET also hosted a half-day conference, “Turning Rain into Resilience: Building South Asia’s Rainwater Future,” bringing together practitioners, policymakers, innovators and campaigners from India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Switzerland and other countries. The SARNET Corridor was visited by Dr Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India, and Mr Rajiv Singhal, Chief Engineer, Ministry of Jal Shakti. The conference featured three sessions on policy, community participation and technological innovation. Speakers highlighted the importance of cooperation among governments, communities, industries, civil society and citizens in advancing the “Catch the Rain—Where It Falls, When It Falls” campaign.
Discussions also explored community-led water management, livelihoods, behavioral change, spring shed management in Bhutan and the integration of indigenous knowledge. The technology session examined filtration systems, groundwater recharge, design solutions and emerging innovations suited to diverse geographic conditions. Participants stressed that combining traditional knowledge with modern technology—and supporting rainwater harvesting through strong public policy and private-sector engagement—is essential for securing South Asia’s water future.
Coordinator of South Asia Rainwater Network (SARNET), Ms Danushi Senanayake Said, “This EAW Global Aqua Expo 2026 helped to connect with private sector service providers, find out innovations, highlight the importance of rainwater harvesting, and to strategically position SARNET as the rainwater partner”.
SARNET’s participation reinforced the value of regional collaboration, locally relevant innovation and knowledge-sharing in building resilient and sustainable communities.
Mrs. Pradnya Thakur, Environmental & Sustainability Expert and Director of Shashwat Eco Solutions Foundation, has been instrumental in initiating the first launch of SARNET (South Asia Rainwater Network) in India, with a vision to create greater visibility and opportunities for grassroots organisations, innovators, and technologists working in the water sector.
With more than 30 years of experience in the environment and water sector, Mrs. Thakur believes that behavioural change and community participation are critical to addressing water challenges. Her experience of implementing 150+ rainwater harvesting projects has reinforced her conviction that successful water management is not only about technology and infrastructure, but also about people, awareness, and behavioural change.
“Over the last three decades in the water sector, I have realised that behaviour matters tremendously. Large companies already have access to platforms where they can showcase their work. However, grassroots organisations, local innovators, technologists and the many water warriors working on the ground also deserve an opportunity to be seen, heard and recognised,” says Mrs. Thakur.
IT was this vision that encouraged her, as a SARNET member, to explore and strengthen the connection between SARNET and EAW (Environmental & Water Exhibition). She sees the exhibition as an important platform where grassroots initiatives and emerging technologies can connect with industry, policymakers, experts and a wider audience.
Speaking to her about Global Aqua Expo, she explained, “Creating such platforms can help bridge the gap between grassroots innovation and the larger water ecosystem. It can also provide organisations working at the community level with opportunities to showcase their solutions, build partnerships and scale their impact.”
Her professional journey spans 20+ countries and more than 500 clients, along with participation in policy committees with Central and State Governments. Her work in the environmental sector has earned her several national and international awards.
Through her efforts to connect SARNET with EAW, Mrs. Thakur aims to ensure that the water sector becomes more inclusive—where not only established companies, but also grassroots organisations, innovators, technologists and community-based “water warriors” receive the recognition and platform they deserve.
With its focus on business, technology, knowledge and collaboration, EAW Global Aqua Expo 2026 concluded by strengthening connections across India’s water ecosystem and creating opportunities for the adoption of innovative and sustainable water solutions. The Expo will next expand to Hyderabad in February 2027, followed by its 22nd national edition in New Delhi in August 2027.
