3rd India Water Sustainability Forum Calls for Long-Term CSR for Water Security
SoulAce's 3rd India Water Sustainability Forum urges CSR leaders to shift from physical assets to outcome-oriented water security programs.
The third edition of the India Water Sustainability Forum 2026, hosted by SoulAce at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, has issued a powerful call to action for the corporate sector. Industry leaders gathered to discuss how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can move beyond simply building infrastructure to ensuring long-term water security, climate resilience, and sustainable rural livelihoods.
The forum, centered on the theme “Securing Water Resources and the Role of CSR,” brought together top executives from the CSR, sustainability, and development sectors to rethink how corporate interventions can create lasting impact in water-stressed regions.
Moving Beyond Infrastructure to Measurable Outcomes
A central message of the forum was the necessity for CSR programs to evolve. Instead of focusing solely on the creation of physical assets, experts emphasized the need for measurable outcomes and community-led maintenance.
Adarsh Kataruka, Managing Director of SoulAce, highlighted that water security is inseparable from livelihood security. He noted that companies must ask whether the assets they build are being maintained and whether they truly strengthen a community's ability to withstand future climate risks. "A long-term, outcome-oriented approach will be critical to building sustainable water systems," Kataruka stated.
Key Discussion Pillars: Watersheds, Conservation, and Climate
The forum was structured around three critical panel discussions that addressed the complexities of water management in India:
- Watersheds and Sustainable Livelihoods: This session explored how improved water availability can bolster rural economies by supporting agricultural productivity, crop diversification, and livestock-based incomes. The panel focused on ensuring that small farmers, women, and vulnerable communities are the primary beneficiaries of these interventions.
- Watershed Conservation and Water Security: Experts discussed the technical and social aspects of groundwater recharge, soil conservation, and pond rejuvenation. The consensus was that success depends on local stewardship and responsible usage rather than just the number of structures built.
- Water and Climate Resilience: As erratic rainfall, floods, and heatwaves become more frequent, this panel examined how communities can prepare through water-risk planning, resilient infrastructure, and equitable access to water during climate stress.
Expert Insights from Industry Leaders
The forum featured a high-profile lineup of speakers from leading organizations, including representatives from Sun Pharma, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Asian Paints, Shapoorji Pallonji & Co, Hindustan Unilever, Lupin Foundation, Pernod Ricard, Marico, and more. Moderators and speakers included leaders from the Paani Foundation and various specialized CSR foundations.
During the event, SoulAce also presented a detailed case study on water conservation. The study demonstrated how advanced methodologies—combining hydrological analysis, satellite imagery, and on-ground validation—can accurately measure the impact of multi-village watershed initiatives on groundwater recharge and local water availability.