On 20th March, 2026, TATA Steel Utilities and Infrastructure Services Limited (TATA Steel UISL) hosted an event in one of the prestigious clubs of Jamshedpur, Beldih Club, in observance of the World Water Day 2026.
It was not before in 1992, at a conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, that the United Nations, in order to focus on water-related issues worldwide, declared 22nd March to be World Water Day. TATA Steel UISL aligns its water management initiatives this year, with the global World Water Day 2026 theme “Water and Gender”, emphasizing that —
“Where water flows, equality grows.”
In order to delve deeper on the theme, TATA UISL invited eminent personnel from various fields to a panel discussion to understand the nuances of achieving gender equality in water access, participation and leadership.
The event commenced with addressing to the audience by Varun Bajaj, Chief CS (Designate), TATA Steel Jamshedpur followed by the most awaited panel discussion comprising of :
- Dr. Debjani Nag [Head, Coal & Coke Making Research Group, R&D, TATA Steel]
- Dr. Mita Tarafder [Relearn Foundation & Former Chief Scientist (CISR-NML)]
- Dr. Vinayak Ram Tripathi [Associate Professor, XLRI Jamshedpur]
- Mr. Pranay Sinha [Chief CS, TSL]
- Mr. Sanjeev Kr. Jha [GM (Water & Wastewater Services) TATA Steel UISL]
The panel discussed various aspects of safe drinking water (collection, storage, management) and role played by the female gender (for catering the needs, hazards involved, difficulties faced by them). According to a speaker, in many parts of India, women are responsible for collecting water for their families. However, they are often excluded from decision-making processes about water policies and infrastructure.
The discussion was further elevated with the interactive Q&A sessions followed 
by it, to foster a dynamic exchange of views and ideas, enriching the social learning for everyone present.
The event was continued in the same tone with different organisations like TATA Steel Foundation, Solaris, TATA Pigments showcasing their work on Water Management, and how access to safe drinking water can transform lives and communities.
Finally, the event concluded with the emphasis on how water is deeply connected to health, livelihoods and the very access to water is not just about sustainability – it is about dignity, equality and opportunity.
