Newz Desk, Durgapur: With rapid urbanisation and industrial expansion pushing Durgapur’s water resources under increasing stress, the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) is preparing to recommend a set of water-conservation measures to the West Bengal government to prevent future shortages and reduce wastage across cities like Kolkata and many cities in West Bengal.
The move follows growing concerns that major Indian urban centres—including Chennai and Bengaluru—have already faced severe summer water crises, and similar warning signs are beginning to surface in parts of Durgapur. Residents in several neighbourhoods have frequently reported falling water pressure and irregular supply during peak summer months, highlighting the need for long-term planning.
Speaking at a recent national plumbing conference in Kolkata, IPA president Gurmit Singh Arora said that India could reach “deeply concerning levels of water scarcity” by 2030 if corrective steps are not taken today. He stressed that cities such as Kolkata, where industrial water usage is rising alongside domestic consumption, must adopt strict conservation protocols to avoid future shortages.
Arora said the IPA will be submitting four major recommendations to the State government:
- Mandatory use of low-flow water fixtures, including taps and showers, in all residential, commercial, and institutional buildings.
- Household-level and community-level water audits to track consumption and identify wastage patterns.
- Recycling and reuse of treated greywater for gardening, flushing, and industrial non-potable applications.
- A comprehensive water management roadmap for Bengal’s fast-growing cities, including Durgapur, integrating conservation norms into building and industrial regulations.
IPA’s West Bengal chapter chairman Avni Pasari said, “High-density urban pockets and large industrial cities are putting immense pressure on groundwater and river-based supply systems. Efficient water management is crucial not only for conservation but also for reducing carbon emissions associated with water treatment and pumping.”
Experts say that Durgapur’s dependence on river water from the Damodar, combined with growing residential expansion and aging plumbing infrastructure, makes the city particularly vulnerable to future supply gaps. Many localities already report wastage from leakages, outdated pipes, and unregulated use.
The IPA hopes the State government will integrate its recommendations into upcoming urban development and building policies, ensuring that industrial hubs like Durgapur take proactive steps toward sustainable water use.
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