New Delhi, September 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the closing session of a two-day National Departmental Summit on water, organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
This summit marks the first in a series aimed at strengthening the spirit of Team India, deepening cooperative federalism, and fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards national priorities through improved collaboration between the center and states. Ministers and senior officials from various states and union territories gathered to discuss different aspects of India’s water security.
The Prime Minister praised the in-depth discussions held over the two days and emphasized the need for a continuous process of reviewing and learning from the actionable and time-bound points that emerged from the summit. He urged that this summit should not be a one-time event, calling for ongoing reviews and follow-ups.
He highlighted the challenges associated with urbanization, such as population growth and future water needs, and suggested that similar brainstorming sessions be organized for urban local bodies. He advocated for greater adoption of water-saving technologies and proposed hosting exhibitions and workshops to assist Indian manufacturers in developing effective solutions and implementing them on a large scale, incorporating best practices from around the world.
Emphasizing public participation, the Prime Minister recommended promoting a “Water Festival” to raise awareness among citizens. He called for regular dredging programs, establishing clear guidelines and standard operating procedures for these activities. Regarding dam safety, he stressed the importance of being fully prepared before each monsoon, adhering to established precautions, and raising awareness among school students, including incorporating this knowledge into educational curricula.
The Prime Minister also underscored the need to enhance knowledge and capacity regarding water management and governance in universities and higher educational institutions. He suggested organizing systematic inter-state study tours for public representatives, officials, and farmers to facilitate practical learning and the adoption of successful measures in other regions.
He highlighted the necessity for robust water data governance, advocating for the consolidation, systematic management, and effective analysis and use of water-related data. He recommended the use of AI for data collection and analysis through a standardized format. Additionally, he stressed the importance of preparing integrated plans to address water scarcity through the proper use of treated water for agricultural and industrial purposes.
Reflecting on his experience as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the Prime Minister noted that with the right planning, firm resolve, necessary resources, and capable officials, the issue of water scarcity could be transformed into an opportunity.
Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, highlighted four key outcomes of the summit: accelerating the completion of water-related infrastructure projects, strengthening water conservation as a continuous movement, ensuring the long-term availability of drinking water sources, and institutionalizing the effective operation and maintenance of drinking water schemes in villages.
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