CITY UPDATES

Global Recognition for Brand Bengaluru: BWSSB Chairman Dr Ram Prasath Manohar Named India’s Sole Member in SWAN Global Senior Utility Advisory Committee

The Bengaluru Live 19 February 2026 2 minutes read

Dr Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairman of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).

London / Bengaluru: In a significant global recognition for Bengaluru’s water governance reforms, Dr Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairman of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), has been appointed as the sole representative from India to the 5th Senior Utility Advisory Group (UAG) of the Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN).

SWAN, a leading global non-profit organisation focused on advancing smart water solutions, announced the formation of its elite advisory body comprising senior water utility leaders from the United States, Canada, Australia, Portugal and Brazil. Dr Manohar is the only Indian utility head selected to this prestigious panel.

The Senior Utility Advisory Group will collaborate to identify global water challenges, regional trends and strategic research priorities while guiding SWAN’s future initiatives and digital transformation agenda. Members are selected based on their leadership contributions to innovation and smart infrastructure within the water sector.

Dr Manohar’s inclusion follows BWSSB’s successful implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven governance initiatives in Bengaluru’s water management systems. Under his leadership, BWSSB has emerged as one of India’s leading public utilities adopting advanced digital technologies for infrastructure efficiency, monitoring and citizen service delivery.

Reacting to his appointment, Dr Manohar credited the vision of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, stating that Bengaluru’s global recognition is aligned with the broader “Brand Bengaluru” infrastructure modernisation agenda. He said the milestone reflects the collective efforts of BWSSB’s technical teams and reiterated his commitment to working with global experts to address complex water challenges through practical, technology-led solutions.

The announcement also builds momentum ahead of SWAN’s 16th Annual Conference, scheduled to be held in Tampa, Florida, from June 2 to 4, 2026. The conference, themed “Adapting Your Digital Journey,” will see UAG members shaping discussions around global smart water transformation strategies.

Founded in 2010, SWAN promotes data-driven, intelligent solutions for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater networks worldwide, helping utilities transition toward smarter, more resilient infrastructure systems.