NEW DELHI: The ninth India International Water Week will be held here from September 22-26, with a focus on climate-resilient water management amid rising concerns over floods, erratic rainfall and water stress, the Jal Shakti Ministry said on Wednesday.
The event will include thematic engagements across the water sector, including discussions on conservation, efficient use and sustainable management practices, Jal Shakti Union Minister CR Patel said at a press conference.
A field visit is also scheduled for the closing day.
Patel said that the Second International Conference on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene will be held in parallel at the same place from September 22 to 24, with the participation of experts, researchers, state governments, central ministries and non-governmental organizations.
Emphasizing the urgency of the issue, he said that water availability was steadily decreasing, and emphasized the need to reduce consumption, improve water conservation and increase water harvesting.
Highlighting future challenges, the minister said that high population and industrial growth will increase pressure on water resources, making it necessary to ensure its availability and quality.
All stakeholders’ suggestions, including those of NGOs, will be taken into consideration to develop sustainable solutions to human needs, Patel added.
“Water is essential not just for drinking, but for every aspect of life. However, its availability is steadily decreasing. We must focus on conserving water, using it efficiently and storing it,” Patel said.
Regarding government initiatives, Patil said efforts are underway to improve the health of rivers and water bodies, including projects on the Yamuna river and development of Amrit Sarovar.
“Cleaning the rivers is extremely important, and the Center and states are working together to devise comprehensive plans to restore polluted rivers,” he said.
Replying to a query on Jal Jeevan Mission, the minister said the scheme has been extended till 2028 to ensure tap water supply to all rural households.
“Among the total targeted households, about three lakh crore are yet to be covered. The government has allocated significant funds and our priority is to ensure that every household has access to safe and adequate drinking water,” he said.
On transboundary water issues, Patel said work on river systems, including the Indus Basin, is progressing.
He said, “I can only say that work is progressing at full speed. Our goal is for water to reach everyone.”
VL Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, said this will be the first edition to be named ‘India International Water Week’, reflecting the expanded global participation.
“This is the first time that India Water Week is called India International Water Week. We had foreign partner countries earlier as well, but this edition will see expanded international participation,” Rao said.
The event will include technical sessions, exhibitions and field visits, bringing together policymakers, experts, researchers, NGOs and industry stakeholders from India and abroad.
The main topic will be climate-resilient water management in light of recent extreme weather events and expected rainfall variability, Rao said, adding that key discussions will cover governance, resource optimization, use of technology, community engagement, climate risk management and financing mechanisms.
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