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With its many challenges and strong ambitions, India is
one of the fastest growing markets in the world. The
country has 16 per cent of the world's population, 2.5
per cent of the land mass, and just 4 per cent of the water
resources. Faced with a backdrop of water scarcity, a "failed"
monsoon can be disastrous for food crops. Today, the Indian
water industry is at a crossroads. With growing requirements
for water recycling and drinking water purification, the scope for
growth is huge in a water market estimated to be worth about
$15 billion and growing by 15-20 per cent a year.
While the government is
primarily involved in raw
water treatment and sewage
treatment operations, the private
industrial sector
includes equipment for clarification,
sludge treatment,
aeration, disinfection and filtration.
Reverse osmosis
technology is becoming
increasingly important as are
technologies such as ultrafiltration and electrodialysis.
The rapidly rising population is also increasing requirements for
drinking water and sewage treatment in urban areas, with smaller
towns and villages set to follow suit.
Water scarcity means many industries are investing in water recycling
systems. There is also a growing awareness of environmental
issues among industry and public alike, pressuring companies to
install water treatment equipment. The opportunities for both
domestic and international players are enormous.
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