Srinagar, July 3, KDC: As India reels under the grip of its most severe water shortage, a glimmer of hope emerges from an unlikely alliance. Tech behemoth Microsoft and indigenous startup FluxGen have jointly developed a software solution that has halved water consumption in two Bangalore hospitals. The companies aim to replicate this success nationwide to alleviate India’s crippling water scarcity.
According to Srinagar based news gathering agency Kashmir Dot Com, Leveraging advanced sensor fusion, artificial intelligence, and IoT technologies, the duo will identify and rectify water leaks, wastage, and overuse in hospitals and other industries.
The pilot project has been initiated at St. Martha’s Hospital and another prominent multi-specialty hospital in Whitefield, both severely impacted by Bangalore’s water crisis earlier this year.
The city’s acute water shortage had triggered an exodus of tech professionals, underscoring the crisis’s severity. The issue also gained significant political traction during the recent parliamentary elections.
India’s water crisis is a stark reality, affecting over 600 million people and claiming approximately 200,000 lives annually. With water demand projected to double by 2030, the nation faces a looming catastrophe that could impact millions and cripple its economy.
FluxGen’s AI and IoT-powered solutions will be deployed across hospital facilities to optimize water usage and replenish supplies. India’s vast healthcare sector, comprising nearly 70,000 hospitals, is a significant water consumer.
“Our collaboration with FluxGen is a step towards our water-positive goal,” said Eliza Roberts, Water Lead at Microsoft according to Kashmir Dot Com. “By reducing water use intensity, replenishing, increasing access, driving innovation, and advocating for effective policies, we aim to make a tangible difference.”
Ganesh Shankar, Founder and CEO of FluxGen, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to save billions of liters of water and set a benchmark for water stewardship in the healthcare sector. The company has garnered support from industry giants like Aditya Birla Group, Vedanta, and Amazon, and has also received recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Hospital administrators are enthusiastic about the initiative, expecting it to not only conserve water but also improve overall efficiency and patient care. FluxGen’s solution, powered by Microsoft Azure, offers real-time analytics and customized recommendations for water management.
As India grapples with the intensifying water crisis, this collaboration between technology and innovation offers a promising path towards sustainable water management and a more secure future. (KDC)
