India’s Water Secretaries Conference Addresses Urgent Water Management Issues
Today, the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation convened the “All India Water Secretaries’ Conference” in New Delhi. Chaired by Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, the event brought together key figures including Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Secretary Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, and around 200 senior secretaries from States and Union Territories to discuss crucial water management topics.
Key Agenda Items Discussed
The conference focused on eight priority agenda items vital for ensuring sustainable water management across the nation. These topics included the status of the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) Scheme, a nationwide month-long #CatchTheRain campaign for enhancing public participation in water conservation, and revised guidelines for project appraisal related to irrigation and flood management.
Additionally, participants reviewed the Rule Curves of dam reservoirs for improved operations and safety, progress on the State Water Reforms Framework, and the completion timeline for Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluations mandated by the Dam Safety Act of 2021. The discussions also included the ongoing irrigation censuses in the states and territories and a framework for Model State Water Awards.
Emphasis on Collaborative Efforts
During the opening remarks, Secretary Shri V. L. Kantha Rao welcomed the attendees and provided an overview of the agenda. He emphasized the Ministry’s initiatives and the importance of cooperative federalism to tackle water-related challenges.
Union Minister Shri C. R. Patil highlighted the fundamental role of water in India’s economic growth, food security, and environmental sustainability. He raised concerns about climate change, groundwater depletion, and urbanization, calling for scientific and sustainable water resource management approaches.
New Initiatives Announced
In line with the Prime Minister’s appeal during the “Mann Ki Baat” program, the Minister urged all states and union territories to intensify the **Catch the Rain 2026** campaign. This includes promoting rainwater harvesting and rejuvenating traditional water bodies. He also advocated for strengthening Water User Associations, enhancing irrigation efficiency, and streamlining project appraisals to expedite implementation.
Additionally, the Minister announced the release of several important documents: a City-level Action Plan for Varanasi aimed at safe reuse of treated wastewater, an Operations Manual for artificial recharge and groundwater conservation structures, and a Schedule of Rates for drilling and related works, all designed to improve transparency and standardization in water management practices.
The conference concluded with a commitment to implement the discussed strategies promptly to ensure “Jal Surakshit, Bharat Surakshit,” along with a note of gratitude from Secretary Shri V. L. Kantha Rao to all participants for their active contributions.
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