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India steps up efforts to strengthen water security
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Saturday, 05 September, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the valedictory session of the two-day National Departmental Summit on Water, organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, with a focus on strengthening India’s water security through greater Centre-State collaboration and coordinated action.
The summit, the first in a series of Departmental Summits envisioned by the Prime Minister, brought together Ministers and senior officials from States and Union Territories to deliberate on key aspects of water management, conservation and governance.
Addressing the session, Modi emphasised that the actionable and time-bound outcomes emerging from the summit should be followed through regular reviews and continuous learning. He stressed that the exercise should evolve into an ongoing process rather than remain a one-time initiative.
Highlighting the growing pressure on water resources due to urbanisation, population growth and rising future demand, the Prime Minister called for greater sensitisation of Urban Local Bodies and suggested organising similar Chintan Shivirs for them. He also emphasised the wider adoption of water-saving technologies and proposed dedicated exhibitions and workshops showcasing global best practices to help Indian manufacturers and stakeholders develop and scale efficient water-management solutions.
Modi also stressed the importance of Jan Bhagidari in water conservation and suggested promoting “Jal Utsav” to increase public awareness. He called for making de-silting a regular programme, supported by clear criteria and standard operating procedures. On dam safety, he underlined the need for rigorous preparedness ahead of every monsoon, adherence to prescribed precautions and greater awareness among school students through appropriate inclusion in educational curricula.
The Prime Minister further called for strengthening water-management knowledge and capacity in universities and higher educational institutions. He suggested structured inter-State study visits involving public representatives, officials and farmers to facilitate practical learning and replication of successful water-management interventions.
Calling for stronger water data governance, Modi recommended bringing water-sector data together in a systematic format for effective management, analysis and utilisation. He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence for data collection and analysis through uniform data formats. He stressed the need for anticipatory and integrated planning to tackle water scarcity, including the appropriate use of treated water for agricultural and industrial applications.
Drawing on his experience as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Modi noted that water-scarcity situations could be transformed into opportunities through systematic planning, commitment, adequate resources and capable officials.
Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Patil highlighted four key outcomes of the summit: accelerating the completion of water infrastructure projects, strengthening water conservation as a sustained people’s movement, ensuring the long-term sustainability of drinking-water sources, and institutionalising effective operation and maintenance of rural drinking-water schemes.
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