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Roundtable Discussion on Private Sector Participation in Urban Water Supply in India

The capital cities and major metropolitan areas, which are centers of economic activity, do not all have access to piped water. Private financing flows from water supply and sanitation (WSS) in many countries have declined in recent years. Much of this reflects difficulties in sustaining the reforms required to place the WSS sector on a commercial footing in many countries as well as a wider reduction in investment flows to emerging markets. There is a need to identify strategic approaches, including new public-private partnerships for the provision and financing of WSS services.

In India where ADB is providing financial and technical assistance in urban water supplies in six states (Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttaranchal, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan) and with implementation of the government's decentralization policy, potentials exist in exploring private sector participation in the distribution of water in urban areas.

This roundtable discussion aimed to understand private sector participation (PSP) options in improving urban water supply and their potential contributions.

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The discussion was designed to create awareness among decision makers in State Governments on the potential for enlisting the participation of the private sector in the delivery of water services, with the end in view of maximizing efficiency in service delivery.

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Representatives from the government agencies of the following State Governmentsattended the event:

• Madhya Pradesh
• Karnataka
• Uttaranchal
• Kerala
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Rajasthan