He said a behavioural change is required — one that sees water not as an unlimited resource, but as a shared asset that we must protect for future generations
Published May 05, 2025 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated May 05, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Vijender Reddy.
Synopsis: DrinkPrime CEO and Co-founder Vijender Reddy stressed the need to shift focus from water consumption to conservation and replenishment.
Appealing to citizens to be more water conscious, DrinkPrime CEO and Co-founder Vijender Reddy reminded people of the fundamental role water plays in human survival and societal progress.
Delving into the growing water crisis in India, Vijender said, “I keep asking everyone, if you do not have water to drink nor food to eat, what are you going to concentrate on — dreams of going to Mars, or anything else? If you have to wake up every morning and figure out where to drink water from, it is almost doomsday.”
When India’s urban centres are increasingly dependent on tanker water, and rural areas suffer from erratic supplies, Vijender’s words certainly hit a raw nerve. According to him, the problem is not just technical or governmental — it is deeply societal.
“People have taken water for granted — that’s the reason we’re in this situation today. Compared to many other countries, India actually has a lot of water. But it’s our negligence that has led us to a point where we’re buying water from tankers to drink,” he said.
Highlighting what he calls the “input side” of water management, Vijender stressed the need to shift focus from consumption to conservation and replenishment. “It’s not one person’s responsibility. When you don’t have groundwater or lake water, what am I going to purify? The input side — collecting, preserving, and replenishing water sources — is where we need to focus as a society.”
“As a community, we need to think seriously about water now. Be conscious about every drop of water you’re using at home. Because if water is not there, you cannot even think about your dreams,” Vijender added, calling for collective responsibility, urging citizens to actively engage in rainwater harvesting, protect lakes, and work alongside governments to develop water-saving infrastructure.
“This is not just a policy issue. This is a social responsibility. A behavioural change is required — one that sees water not as an unlimited resource, but as a shared asset that we must protect for future generations,” he said.
DrinkPrime, a subscription-based water purification startup, is tackling the affordability and accessibility challenges head-on. “We want to give water to everyone,” Vijender says adding, “Our model increases affordability and ensures safe drinking water reaches more homes.”
By combining technology with flexible pricing, DrinkPrime is redefining how urban and semi-urban India accesses clean water, making strides toward its vision of universal access.
Watch the entire conversation on the Podcast.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
