Conference on Water Security Concludes with Key Recommendations
Shabnam Bano
The conference focused on water distribution services, demand management, water-use efficiency, and integrated river and coastal management. A proposal for a Water Use Efficiency Bureau was also discussed to promote water-use efficiency.
Udaipur, 20th February: The second All India State Water Ministers' Conference concluded after extensive discussions on significant water management issues. At the closing ceremony of the two-day conference, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil, stated that the conference was not only about discussing challenges but also about collective efforts to find solutions.
**Three Technical Sessions on the Second Day**
On the second and final day of the conference, three thematic sessions were held: Water Distribution Services – Irrigation and Other Uses, Demand Management and Water Use Efficiency, and Integrated River and Coastal Management. These sessions presented important recommendations aimed at improving the country’s water governance and ensuring sustainable water resource management. Additionally, the conference recommended expanding the reach of pressurized irrigation networks (PIN) and underground pipelines (UGPL). A proposal for a Water Use Efficiency Bureau was also put forward to promote water use efficiency across all sectors. The conference emphasized integrated demand management, the adoption of water-efficient crop patterns, and the implementation of advanced technologies for sustainable water management in agriculture to reduce water stress.
**Focus on the 'Har Khet Ko Pani' Mission**
On the final day, the conference stressed achieving the goals of the ‘Har Khet Ko Pani’ (Water to Every Farm) mission through strategic interventions. Recommendations included adopting evapotranspiration (ET)-based irrigation performance evaluations and improving farm efficiency through micro-irrigation. Suggestions were made to accelerate command area development and promote the joint use of surface water, groundwater, and treated water. The conference also recommended the promotion of volumetric measurement of water use across all sectors. It suggested river rejuvenation through wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse, e-flow management, floodplain zoning, riverbank development, and community participation. Further, the expansion of coastal monitoring networks, ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation in river and coastal areas, and the revival of springs and other natural sources to enhance river flow were highlighted. The promotion of circular economy and water tourism as self-reliant economic models was also suggested.
These recommendations aim to strengthen India’s water management and conservation efforts to ensure a sustainable and secure water future for the country. The conference reiterated its commitment to maintaining the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), with a focus on community-led operation and maintenance through Gram Jal and Swachhata Committees (GJS). Discussions also explored urban water security through the *Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation* (AMRUT) and integrating greywater management under the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.
The discussions emphasized the need for integrated water resources management (IWRM) tailored to state-specific needs, grassroots-level governance, and the necessity of water budgeting to optimize demand and availability. The importance of utilizing data, technology, and innovation to improve efficiency and sustainability was also highlighted. Additionally, there was a strong push for promoting nationwide community-driven water conservation efforts through initiatives like ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari.’
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