New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired the valedictory session of the two-day national-level “Departmental Summit on Water” organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, marking the first in a series of such summits aimed at strengthening the spirit of Team India and deepening cooperative federalism.
Addressing ministers and senior officials from states and Union Territories, the Prime Minister appreciated the intensive deliberations and stressed that the actionable, time-bound outcomes emerging from the summit must be pursued through a continuous process of review, learning and follow-up.
He made it clear that the summit should not remain a one-time event but evolve into an ongoing mechanism for collective action on water security.
Emphasising Jan Bhagidari, PM Modi called for promoting “Jal Utsav” to deepen public awareness on water conservation and transform it into a sustained people’s movement. He urged greater adoption of water-saving technologies and suggested dedicated exhibitions and workshops that expose Indian manufacturers and stakeholders to global best practices so that efficient solutions can be developed and scaled up.
The Prime Minister also called for robust water data governance, recommending that water-sector data be systematically brought together, managed, analysed and utilised effectively, with artificial intelligence deployed for data collection and analysis in a uniform format. He suggested structured inter-state study visits involving public representatives, officials and farmers to facilitate practical learning and replication of successful interventions.
Highlighting urban challenges, PM Modi called for sensitising urban local bodies to the pressures of population growth and future water needs, and suggested organising similar “Chintan Shivirs” for them. He advocated making de-silting a regular programme with clear criteria and SOPs, and stressed rigorous monsoon preparedness for dam safety along with awareness among school students through suitable incorporation in curricula.
He further urged strengthening water management knowledge in universities and higher educational institutions, and stressed anticipatory planning that utilises treated water for agriculture and industry.
Drawing from his experience as Gujarat Chief Minister, PM Modi noted that water scarcity can be transformed into an opportunity through systematic planning, commitment and deployment of capable officers and resources.
Union Minister for Jal Shakti CR Patil outlined four key outcomes of the summit: accelerated completion of water infrastructure projects, strengthening water conservation as a people’s movement, ensuring long-term sustainability of drinking-water sources, and institutionalising effective operation and maintenance of rural drinking-water schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
(IANS)
