The India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) began in 2012 as part of the Ganga River Basin Management Plan initiated by seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Its aim is to address a wide range of scientific, technological, socio-cultural, legal, and governance issues related to river basin management in India, considering the various stakeholder interests. Following the completion of the Ganga River Basin Management Plan in 2015, additional summits were organized to address remaining uncertainties and build consensus on scientific understanding, policy interventions, and technological innovations for effective water management across India.
Over the years, IWIS has evolved into a significant annual gathering for scientists, stakeholders, and government representatives to engage in detailed discussions about the challenges and opportunities within India's water sector. Dedicated sessions facilitate dialogue on key scientific and policy issues, gather insights from governmental bodies, assess new technologies, and align the goals of financiers, economists, and technology providers to foster a strong culture of technology-driven water management.
Recognizing the pressing need for addressing climate change within the water and environmental sectors, the current summit incorporates both the India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) and the Climate Investment and Technology Impact Summit (CITIS). The latter focuses on connecting potential investors with technology providers through evaluations of innovative technologies and business models, implementing proven solutions, and fostering collaboration across sectors such as energy, agriculture, urban management, and infrastructure that are closely interlinked with environmental sustainability.
The 9th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) will feature an exhibition highlighting past accomplishments and will engage experts in discussions aimed at harnessing lessons learned from previous initiatives in river rejuvenation and conservation while planning strategically for the future.