National Water Ministers’ Conference Concludes in Udaipur: A Commitment to Water Conservation and Management

Union Minister C.R. Patil Emphasizes the Need for Collective Action Towards Water Sustainability

Udaipur, February 19, 2025 The second All India Conference of Water Ministers, organized by the National Water Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, concluded successfully in Udaipur today. Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, in his closing address, urged all stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to water conservation and management, emphasizing that collective efforts are key to securing India’s water future.

In his opening remarks, Patil paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary, acknowledging his visionary contributions to water conservation and fort-based water management systems, which continue to inspire India’s water policies today.

India’s Water Revolution Under PM Modi’s Visionary Leadership

Highlighting the transformational impact of the Narendra Modi government, Patil noted that access to clean and safe drinking water has now become a national priority. He credited PM Modi’s visionary leadership and the sustained efforts of the Jal Shakti Ministry for ensuring that millions of households now have access to potable water.

“We have set a new direction for water conservation and management. Our focus must now be on intensifying these efforts with renewed commitment,” said Patil.

The conference served as a platform for state representatives, subject experts, and policymakers to exchange ideas and discuss innovative solutions to water-related challenges.

“We didn’t just discuss problems; we focused on practical solutions and collaborative strategies. Such forums are essential for knowledge-sharing and devising actionable policies,” Patil added.

Global Recognition for India’s Water Initiatives

Sharing insights from his recent participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Patil highlighted India’s remarkable achievements in water conservation, which have drawn international recognition. He mentioned discussions on River City Alliances, where representatives from multiple countries exchanged best practices and innovations in water management.

“India’s water initiatives are being recognized globally, and our commitment to sustainable water management is setting an example for other nations,” he noted.

Success of Namami Gange: A Model for River Conservation

The minister celebrated the success of the Namami Gange program, which has significantly improved the cleanliness of the Ganga River. However, he acknowledged that the public now expects similar initiatives for other rivers across India.

“States must collaborate to replicate the success of Namami Gange in cleaning other rivers. This is a collective responsibility that requires both innovation and commitment,” he urged.

The Growing Importance of Treated Water for Industrial Use

A major highlight of the conference was the discussion on tertiary-treated water and its increasing role in industrial applications.

• In Surat, industries are now being supplied with tertiary-treated water, generating a new revenue stream of approximately ₹600 crore.
• Three power plants along the Ganga River are already utilizing treated water, and plans are underway to expand this to 20 additional plants.
• The adoption of treated water is expected to significantly reduce stress on natural water sources and promote sustainable water reuse.

Acknowledgment of State Participation and Rajasthan’s Hosting

The conference saw active participation from three Chief Ministers and multiple state representatives, reflecting the importance of water security in national policy discussions.

Union Minister Patil expressed his gratitude to Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma for successfully hosting the event, highlighting the state’s significant contributions to water management strategies.

“This conference will only be meaningful if we translate our discussions into concrete actions. Before our next meeting, we must implement real, impactful solutions to strengthen India’s water security,” he stated.

Way Forward: Transforming Commitments into Action

As the conference concluded, Patil called upon all participants, organizers, and stakeholders to take decisive steps in achieving water sustainability goals. He stressed that India’s vision of becoming a water-secure nation will only be realized through consistent policy execution and ground-level action.

“Let’s move forward together in our mission to conserve water and implement effective water management solutions across the country,” he urged.

With a renewed focus on water conservation, efficient management, and technological advancements, the conference has laid a strong foundation for future initiatives aimed at addressing India’s water challenges holistically.