The quest for water security takes a pivotal step forward as the National Water Mission, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, convenes the “All India Secretaries’ Conference on Water Vision @ 2047 -Way Ahead.” This two-day event, held in Mahabalipuram, Chennai, from January 23rd to 24th, 2024, promises to be a dynamic platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and charting a roadmap for the future of water management in India.
Building on the momentum of the inaugural All India Annual State Ministers Conference on Water, held in Bhopal in 2023, this conference delves deeper into actionable solutions. The 22 recommendations put forth by the states and the Centre serve as the guiding compass, with sessions focused on five crucial themes:
- Water Governance & Water Quality: Strengthening institutions, ensuring equitable access, and safeguarding water quality are at the heart of this theme.
- Climate Resilience & River Health: Adapting to climate change, protecting our rivers, and promoting sustainable water management practices take center stage.
- Water Use Efficiency: Maximizing every drop through innovative technologies and conservation efforts is key to addressing water scarcity.
- Water Storage: Exploring efficient storage solutions and optimizing existing infrastructure will be crucial for future water security.
- Jan Bhagidari: Engaging communities, fostering public participation, and ensuring inclusivity are essential for sustainable water management.
Gracing the event with their presence will be Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Minister for Water Resource, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Shri Durai Murugan. A special film, “For a Water Secure Future,” and a book titled “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – A Journey,” will be launched, further enriching the discourse.
The conference welcomes diverse stakeholders, including:
- State Governments: Sharing regional challenges and successes, and fostering inter-state collaboration will be key contributions.
- Central Partner Ministries: Cross-sectoral initiatives and policy coherence through collaboration with other ministries will be explored.
- NGOs: Grassroots perspectives and community engagement models brought by NGOs will add valuable dimensions to the discussions.
- Bilateral Partners: International cooperation and learning from global experiences will be crucial for tackling water challenges.
This event stands as a testament to the collective commitment to water security in India. By harnessing the collective wisdom and expertise of diverse stakeholders, the conference aims to chart a course for a future where water is a source of life, prosperity, and sustainable development for all.