The Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) was founded in 1993 to improve plumbing standards and public health in India.
Gurmit Singh Arora, National President
With India projected to face a severe water shortage by 2030, sustainable plumbing is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. At the forefront of this mission is the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), shaping industry standards and pioneering water conservation efforts. In an exclusive conversation, Mr. Gurmit Singh Arora, National President of Indian Plumbing Association, shares insights on IPA’s journey, innovative initiatives, and the road ahead for India’s plumbing sector.
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1. The Indian Plumbing Association has played a crucial role in shaping India’s plumbing industry. Can you share its journey, key milestones, and how it has contributed to better plumbing standards?
The Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) was founded in 1993 to improve plumbing standards and public health in India. What started as a 12-member initiative has now expanded to 7,500 members across 28 chapters, making IPA the voice of India’s plumbing industry. IPA has introduced key initiatives like the Indian Plumbing Conference, Plumbex India Exhibition, and Indian Plumbing Today Magazine. It developed the Uniform Plumbing Code of India (UPCI), which is the largest in Asia, along with specialized codes for swimming pools, water efficiency, and hydronics. IPA promotes water conservation through low-flow fixtures, dual-flush systems, and waterless urinals, helping save 40-50% of water. With India having only 4% of the world's freshwater but 18% of the population, IPA continues its mission to ensure sustainable plumbing solutions for the future.
2. IPA has been actively promoting water conservation. Could you tell us more about the Neerathon initiative and how it is helping raise awareness about water sustainability in India?
IPA launched Neerathon in 2024 as a water awareness initiative, hosting events in five cities: Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune. In 2025, it will be held in four cities, with 2,500–3,000 runners participating in 10 km and 5 km timed runs and a 3 km fun walk/run. The event promotes water sustainability, with participants receiving medals and T-shirts. Neerathon raises awareness about India’s water crisis through speeches, an oath-taking ceremony, and an interactive "Water Story" making them walk through an interactive Tunnel," showcasing virtual water consumption—like a cell phone requiring 2,500 liters of water to produce or a T-shirt needing 900 liters. With India holding only 4% of the world’s freshwater but a rapidly growing population, Neerathon inspires participants to advocate for conservation. A booklet is also provided with insights and practical water-saving tips.
3. As Chairman of CII IGBC, how do you see the role of plumbing in green building initiatives? What sustainable plumbing solutions can contribute to India’s eco-friendly infrastructure?
Plumbing plays a crucial role in India's green building movement, supporting the nation’s goal to reduce carbon emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2070. Since water consumption is directly linked to energy use, sustainable plumbing is key to eco-friendly infrastructure.Green buildings can save over 50% of water through rainwater harvesting, stormwater collection, and greywater treatment. Net-zero water buildings eliminate the need for municipal water by recycling greywater and treating blackwater separately. Notable projects like Manohar International Airport (Goa) and New Parliament Building have achieved up to 50% water savings through these methods.Globally, Singapore’s “NEWater” program, which recycles 40% of water, serves as a model. India is exploring similar strategies through a MoU with Singapore and initiatives like AMRUT 2.0, aiming to provide 24/7 tap water in 4,902 cities.
IPA is actively supporting these efforts, promoting water-efficient plumbing solutions, conservation technologies, and responsible water management to make India water-secure and environmentally sustainable.
4. The plumbing sector relies on skilled professionals. What steps is IPA taking to enhance training programs, upskill plumbers, and improve industry standards?
The Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) is committed to enhancing training programs, upskilling plumbers, and improving industry standards through key initiatives. One flagship program is the Indian Plumbing Professional League (IPPL), launched in 2017, which runs across 20 cities. It educates plumbing professionals, consultants, contractors, and engineers on plumbing codes, best practices, water safety, and sustainability. Winners from each city advance to the national finals, held at the Indian Plumbing Conference, where they compete in technical quizzes and a buzzer round. The top three winners earn an international study tour to gain global insights into plumbing and water management.Expanding its impact, IPA has introduced the Water Audit Council, which assesses water consumption in high-usage sites and provides solutions for conservation, recycling, and rainwater harvesting. By promoting water-efficient plumbing solutions and continuous skill development, IPA is shaping a future-ready workforce and driving sustainability in India’s plumbing sector.
5. What is IPA’s vision for the next decade? Are there any upcoming initiatives, policy collaborations, or global partnerships that excite you?
The Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) envisions a future focused on skill development, innovation, and water sustainability. A key initiative is the Centre of Excellence in Goa, a 30,000 sq. ft. facility developed in collaboration with the Government of Goa and Goa Engineering College. This Platinum-rated IGBC Green Building will serve as a hub for research, training, and knowledge-sharing in plumbing and water conservation. It will feature 16 types of toilets, a training and skilling center, a library with global building codes, and live plumbing demonstrations. IPA also aims to file two patents annually to drive innovation.On the global front, IPA is working to bring the World Plumbing Conference (WPC) to India in 2028, reinforcing India’s leadership in sustainable plumbing.Addressing India’s water crisis, where demand will exceed supply by 2030, IPA is promoting water-saving technologies, recycling, and sustainable plumbing solutions. By bridging this gap, IPA is committed to making India water-secure and ensuring responsible water management for future generations.
With a strong vision for the future, IPA continues to champion sustainable plumbing, global collaborations, and skill development, ensuring India’s water security and eco-friendly infrastructure for generations to come.
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