In a few weeks, Hyderabad will host the 30th Indian Plumbing Conference (IPC), the country’s largest-ever plumbing industry gathering, after a nine-year hiatus. Scheduled for November 21-23 at HITEX, this event, themed “Water—The New Currency,” will underscore the essential role water plays in sustainability and climate resilience. Organized by the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), a 31-year-old NGO and industry leader, the conference will unite over 1,500 delegates, industry leaders, and more than 80 exhibitors showcasing the latest in water-efficient technology and plumbing solutions.
This year’s theme reflects India’s efforts to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2070, highlighting initiatives such as “Green Credits” and “Water Credits” as pathways to responsible water management. Shri Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, and Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Minister of IT and Communications, are invited as Chief Guests for the 30th Indian Plumbing Conference. The conference will also feature a keynote by Mr. Søren Nørrelund Kannik-Marquardsen, Commercial Counsellor and Head of the Trade Council for the Embassy of Denmark in India.
A Gathering of Thought Leaders
With an estimated 5,000 visitors, The 30th Indian Plumbing Conference promises to be the largest event yet for plumbing, water, sanitation, and building industry professionals worldwide. Participants can look forward to numerous technical sessions on topics including:
- Water: The New Currency
- Net-Zero Water in Built Environments
- Water and Heritage Conservation
- Water Management in High-Rise Buildings
- Sanitation and Hygiene
- Water Conservation in Hospitality
Speakers will include Dr. Rama Kant, Deputy Advisor of PHE at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; Prof. Srinivas Chary, CEO of the WASH Innovation Hub and Center Director at ASCI; Shri Nitin Bassi from the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW); Smt. Charu Thapar, Executive Director at JLL Asia Pacific; and Shri HC Vinayaka, VP of Technical EHS and Sustainability at ITC.
Curtain-Raiser Insights: Water Economy as a Priority
At a recent curtain-raiser event, Gurmit Singh Arora, National President of IPA, highlighted the urgency of water conservation. “Water is not just a resource; it is the lifeblood of our communities and economies. “By 2030, India’s water demand is expected to far outstrip supply, with an anticipated shortfall of over 50%.”
Mr. Arora also spoke about “Day Zero” – the critical point when cities face water shortages, an occurrence that cities like Bengaluru and Chennai have narrowly escaped. Addressing this issue requires significant water audits, a process that IPA promotes for improving water efficiency in built environments. He also discussed how even minor enhancements, like leak-proof plumbing in residential spaces, can contribute to water savings.
At the event, Arora led the “I Save Water” pledge, inspiring attendees to commit to water conservation. This pledge underscored the importance of individual responsibility, with participants vowing to champion water-saving practices within their communities.
Water Auditing and Management: A Focus on Sustainability
Avinash Mishra, Chairman of the Water Audit Council (WAC), emphasized the importance of water audits in India’s built environment. “WAC’s goal is to promote water sustainability nationwide through extensive audits,” he explained. The council offers training programs designed to prepare individuals for water management roles, enabling them to assess consumption patterns and identify areas for conservation.
A water audit measures and analyzes usage, identifying wastage, leaks, and areas for improvement. Mishra’s insights at the event underscored the value of these practices in achieving sustainable water management and fostering a responsible “water economy.”
Panel Discussions on Water Recycling and Reuse
A significant segment of the conference will focus on reusing and recycling water within building infrastructure. Panelists including Ar. VVL Narasimham, Chairman of the Telangana Chapter of the Indian Institute of Architects; and M.K.R. Sai, Senior President of Projects at My Home Group, will advocate for the “5R” approach: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Replenish, and Respect. This framework promotes conservation while helping optimize resources for the economy.
The conference will also provide hands-on learning sessions and workshops, and attendees can browse exhibits showcasing innovations like water-saving fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and efficient plumbing designs. Partners include leading companies like Sudhakar Pipes, Lubrizol, Kirloskar, and CRI Pumps.
Hyderabad’s Strategic Role in Sustainable Plumbing
Hyderabad’s rapid growth in real estate and infrastructure makes it an ideal location for the conference. Sanjay Bhilare, Chairman of the Hyderabad Chapter of IPA, highlighted the importance of advanced plumbing in the city’s development, emphasizing that robust water and waste management practices are crucial for sustainable urban growth. Good plumbing, he added, not only extends building longevity but also enhances residents’ quality of life.
The IPA will also launch the Telugu edition of “A Guide to Good Plumbing Practices,” a comprehensive resource on sustainable plumbing, to support local professionals in enhancing their expertise.
“Water as Wealth”: Driving Toward a Responsible Water Economy
The conference will resonate deeply with the global conversation about sustainability, resource management, and the essential role water plays in communities and economies.
Gurmit Singh Arora aptly concluded, “Together, we can pave the way for a future where water is respected, conserved, and utilized to its fullest potential.” The conference is expected to foster meaningful discussions and collaborations that will strengthen India’s approach to sustainable water management and responsible plumbing practices.
The 30th Indian Plumbing Conference is more than a gathering of industry professionals; it is a call to action for all stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities surrounding water sustainability. Through shared knowledge, innovative practices, and a united commitment, the conference seeks to make “Water—The New Currency” a reality.
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