Value Chain of the Water Sector in India

Abstract-India’s water sector is crucial for economic growth, public health, and environmental sustainability. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, the water demand has risen sharply due to urbanisation, agriculture, and industrialization. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. With 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of the world’s water sources, India grapples with water scarcity in many regions. India is the world’s largest user of groundwater that extracts more than any other country in the world and accounts for nearly 25 percent of the world’s extracted groundwater. With an estimated $250 billion investment requirement over the next 20 years, the Indian water sector offers immense opportunities for both domestic and international investors. This report highlights the structure of the water value chain in India, identifies investment opportunities, and names the key players and beneficiaries in the ecosystem.