New Delhi, September 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for enhanced adoption of water-saving technologies and the integration of global best practices to address India’s water security challenges. He made these remarks while chairing the valedictory session of a two-day National Departmental Summit on Water, organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in the national capital.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the summit was the first in a series of Departmental Summits designed to foster the spirit of ‘Team India,’ strengthen cooperative federalism, and cultivate collective ownership of national priorities through improved collaboration between the central government and state administrations. The gathering brought together ministers and senior officials from various states and Union Territories to engage in focused discussions on critical aspects of India’s water security.
Prime Minister Modi commended the intensive deliberations that took place over the two days. He stressed the importance of pursuing the actionable and time-bound points that emerged from the summit as a continuous process of review and learning. He suggested that the summit should not be viewed as a singular event but rather as the inception of an ongoing effort involving regular review and follow-up mechanisms.
Highlighting the growing pressures of urbanisation, including population growth and increasing future water demands, the Prime Minister proposed sensitising Urban Local Bodies to these challenges. He also advocated for the organisation of similar ‘Chintan Shivirs’ (brainstorming sessions) specifically for urban local bodies. A key emphasis was placed on the greater adoption of water-saving technologies. Additionally, he recommended the organisation of dedicated exhibitions and workshops, incorporating exposure to global best practices, to encourage Indian manufacturers and stakeholders to develop and scale efficient water management solutions.
Underlining the significance of public participation, referred to as ‘Jan Bhagidari,’ the Prime Minister suggested promoting ‘Jal Utsavs’ (Water Festivals) as a means to enhance public awareness. He also called for the de-silting of water bodies to be established as a regular programme, with clear criteria and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed for the process. Concerning dam safety, he stressed the necessity of rigorous preparedness before each monsoon season, strict adherence to prescribed precautions, and the creation of awareness among school students, potentially through integration into educational curricula.
Further elaborating on capacity building, the Prime Minister advocated for strengthening knowledge and expertise in water management and governance within universities and higher educational institutions. He proposed structured inter-state study visits involving elected representatives, government officials, and farmers. These visits, he explained, would facilitate practical learning and encourage the replication of successful water management interventions across different regions.
Prime Minister Modi also emphasised the need for robust water data governance, urging that water-sector data be consolidated, systematically managed, analysed, and effectively utilised. He recommended the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for data collection and analysis, advocating for a uniform data format. He also highlighted the importance of anticipatory and integrated planning to mitigate water scarcity, suggesting the suitable utilisation of treated wastewater for agricultural and industrial purposes.
Drawing upon his extensive experience as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Prime Minister Modi observed that challenges related to water scarcity could be effectively transformed into opportunities through systematic planning, unwavering commitment, and the deployment of adequate resources and capable officials.
Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil, outlined four key outcomes of the summit. These include the accelerated completion of water infrastructure projects, the strengthening of water conservation as a sustained people’s movement, ensuring the long-term sustainability of drinking water sources, and institutionalising the effective operation and maintenance of rural drinking water schemes.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
