South Australian government's special adviser on international water opportunities Karlene Maywald visited Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Bhandup Complex water purification plant recently to inspect and understand the present infrastructure.
The government of South Australia, which is a state in the southern central part of Oz, is exploring the possibility of investing in technology, research and infrastructure in water management in India.
South Australian government's special adviser on international water opportunities Karlene Maywald visited Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Bhandup Complex water purification plant recently to inspect and understand the present infrastructure.
Speaking to dna, Maywald said, "Presently, we are in the process of understanding the need of the Indian government, as they have publicly announced their will of improving water management and quality. Mumbai being the most important city of the country, we wanted to explore the possibility of extending our expertise here."
Maywald, who has extensive experience in the area of water policy development and reform, was appointed chair of the National Water Commission in 2012. She is in Mumbai with the South Australian delegation led by minister for investment and trade Martin Hamilton-Smith.
Giving details on the tour of Bhandup Complex water purification plant, Maywald said the city was fortunate to have an "extremely large" water purification plant. "We took a tour of the plant and understood the process and also went through the presentation given to us. Citizens of Mumbai are very fortunate to have such a clean source of water. The water after purification is clean."
"However, what the city probably needs is water distribution management and quality management until it reaches the taps of the end users. For this, we could be of help with the expertise we have in training the staff, setting up of laboratories with advanced technology and research, along with other necessary infrastructure," she added.
Giving example of Down Under, Maywald said that in South Australia every consumer is charged for water, which citizens do find expensive. But several water resources, including recycling of stormwater and greywater and rainwater harvesting, have been developed, she explained. This water is purely used for washing, cleaning, gardening, farming and other such activities, potable water is carefully handled as it is the most expensive resource.
"They do resent paying for water. However, what we are charging is not for water but for the infrastructure government has set up to bring clean potable water to their taps and maintenance of the same. Even the poorest of poor has to pay for water," she added.
South Australia, after extensive dialogue with the government, has plans to invest in the water management sector, which, they believe, India needs to address soon.
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