India s accelerated and continuous economic growth has resulted in increased industrial, agricultural and domestic water withdrawals, competition over water resource uses, wastewater discharges, water quality degradation and aquatic ecosystem destruction, which in turn have led to severe water crisis.

Water crises can be directly linked to issues of water governance. Consequently, resolving the challenges in this area must be a key priority to achieve sustainable water resources development and management.

The engagement of all sectors of society and, in particular, bridging the needs and interests of the private sector with those of the public sector and communities should be encouraged. As such, Public - Private - Community Partnerships (PPCP) has great potential to address India s water challenges and ensure long-term sustainable wealth in India. The purpose of such partnerships is to leverage and better coordinate the efforts of businesses, governments and communities in addressing water and sanitation challenges.

Against this background, and building on the long term strategic partnership and existing MOU between CII and the World Economic Forum, the CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre (CII - Godrej GBC) in partnership with the World Economic Forum has formed the Indian Business Alliance on Water (IBAW).