A greater emphasis on circular economy principles will lead to innovative approaches in waste management.

Robin Fernandes
Business Unit Head - Capital Goods, Messe Muenchen India Pvt Ltd

How do you view the current market scenario of the water and wastewater sector in India? What are the emerging trends to look for?

The current market scenario for the water and wastewater management sectors in India is both challenging and promising. With the increasing urbanization, the demand for sustainable water management solutions has never been higher. Some of the emerging trends include increased adoption of advanced treatment technologies, the integration of IoT for real-time monitoring, and a stronger emphasis on water recycling and reuse. At IFAT India 2024, we aim to showcase these trends, bringing together industry leaders and innovators to highlight solutions that address these pressing challenges.

How are solid waste management activities evolving in the country? What is your opinion about the current bottlenecks in effective solid waste management in the country and what is the way forward?

Solid waste management activities in India are evolving with a greater focus on sustainability and community involvement. However, bottlenecks such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of public awareness, and regulatory challenges persist. The way forward involves enhancing waste segregation at source, investing in better waste processing technologies, and increasing public-private partnerships. Here, IFAT India plays a crucial role in facilitating discussions around these challenges and showcasing innovative solutions that can help overcome them.

How do you look at the government programmes for water and waste management sector? 

Government programmes for the water and waste management sector have seen a significant transformation in recent years, with initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission and Namami Gange aiming to improve sanitation and rejuvenate rivers. These initiatives provide a framework for collaboration among various stakeholders, driving investments and innovation. At the upcoming edition of IFAT India 2024, we will highlight how these programmes are being implemented at the grassroots level and their impact on local communities.

How is IFAT providing a platform for the development and innovations in water and waste management sector?

We are set to host an impressive line-up of over 500+ exhibitors from around the globe, reflecting the trade fair's growing stature as a key platform for water, waste water, environmental technologies and innovations in the region. We are expecting a robust international presence with more than 25 country pavilions, including powerhouses from Germany, Canada, South Korea, Switzerland and the Netherlands. These international pavilions will bring together a diverse array of technologies, products, and services, offering Indian stakeholders the access to the latest global advancements. The strong participation underscores the increasing global interest in contributing to and tapping into India’s burgeoning water and waste water sector, fostering cross-border collaborations that can lead to the co-creation of solutions tailored to the Indian market.

What are the major focus areas for this edition of IFAT India 2024? What are your expectations from this year’s show? And what are the key special zones introduced at IFAT India 2024?

This edition of IFAT India 2024 will focus on critical areas such as sustainable water management, smart waste management technologies, and circular economy practices. The exhibition space for IFAT India 2024 is set to expand significantly, reflecting the growing interest and participation in the event. This year, we are anticipating an exhibition space of over 40,000 square meters, a substantial increase from the previous edition. The event is expected to draw more than 28,000 visitors, including industry professionals, policymakers, and academicians. This diverse mix of participants reflects the growing interest and urgency around water and environmental issues in India. Several special zones have been introduced to enhance the event's focus on innovation and sustainability. A central highlight is the Startup Innovation Zone, which brings together emerging companies that are driving cutting-edge technologies. This zone creates an ecosystem of innovation by providing startups a platform to showcase their solutions directly to industry leaders and investors, encouraging disruptive technologies and new ideas. Additionally, the Bio Nexus Zone is another key addition, emphasizing biotechnology's role in addressing environmental challenges. This zone presents bio-based innovations in areas such as waste management and water treatment, highlighting their impact on sustainable development. Additionally, the ULB Pavilion has been introduced to foster dialogue and collaboration between Urban Local Bodies, focusing on sustainable infrastructure projects and the exchange of best practices.

How has the conference segment evolved at IFAT India 2024, and what new initiatives are being introduced?

At IFAT India 2024, the conference segment has evolved significantly to enhance knowledge-sharing and foster innovation in environmental technology. A key highlight is the inclusion of industry-driven discussions on critical issues like wastewater systems, sustainable water supply, and holistic waste management. These discussions are tailored to address region-specific environmental challenges, making them highly relevant to India’s current landscape.

This year, the Speaker’s Corner will serve as a hub for thought-provoking presentations, bringing together experts to discuss cutting-edge topics like recycling, solid waste management, and advancements in sewage treatment. Another exciting initiative is the Young Professionals Program, designed to engage emerging talent in the industry, offering them opportunities to connect with industry leaders and gain insights that will shape their careers.

Overall, the expanded conference offerings and new initiatives at IFAT India 2024 reflect a broader commitment to advancing sustainable practices through collaboration, education, and cutting-edge solutions.

What will be trending in future in water infrastructure and solid waste management?

In the future, we can expect a significant shift towards digitization in both water infrastructure and solid waste management. Technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data analytics will play a pivotal role in optimizing operations and improving decision-making processes. Additionally, a greater emphasis on circular economy principles will lead to innovative approaches in waste management, focusing on resource recovery and sustainability. IFAT India 2024 will highlight these trends, positioning itself as a key player in the ongoing transformation of the sector.