In India, water supply is typically intermittent, ranging from just 30 minutes to 12 hours per day. In many cities and rural areas, the situation is even more dire, with water provided only on alternate days-or in some cases, as infrequently as once every two weeks. Moreover, this limited supply is often unreliable and unevenly distributed. The primary goal of any effort to improve water supply systems must therefore be to ensure reliable and equitable access to water for every household. This talk will present an alternative approach to the planning, design, and implementation of innovative climate-smart solutions aimed at improving water supply systems. Emphasis will be placed on context-specific sustainable solutions that are affordable, manageable, and scalable, offering practical alternatives to expensive infrastructure projects. Case studies will illustrate real-world applications of these interventions, highlighting their impact and effectiveness. Additionally, the talk will explore the unique challenges of operating a start-up in the water sector and the journey toward creating meaningful, on-the-ground change.
Dr. Pradip Kalbar is an Associate Professor at the Environmental Science and Engineering Department (ESED) at IIT Bombay. Before joining IIT Bombay, Pradip was a postdoctoral researcher at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) for two years. Pradip has authored several scientific papers in international journals and conferences. He serves on various national-level committees on research and technology assessment in the water sector. He also advises various municipalities and state governments on water management. Recently, interventions based on his research group’s work for improving water supply in India are recommended bythe Ministry of Jal Shakti for implementation in all the states. He also has wide industrial and consulting experience in the area of the water sector. He was the member of the Technical Advisory Committee for Water Supply of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). Dr. Kalbar also co-founded a start-up in the water supply sector. He is also an editor of the Water Reuse journal (IWA Publishing). Recently, he has been appointed as the Vijay and Sita Vashee Chair in Climate and Sustainability at IIT Bombay.