New Delhi: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is set to participate as a Partner Ministry in the 8th India Water Week, taking place from September 17 to 20, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. With the theme “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management,” the Ministry will highlight its commitment to advancing sustainable water practices in rural India by promoting Water-Sufficient Villages through its Panchayat Development Plans, a key component of the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
The Ministry’s exhibition stall will feature best practices in water management from Gram Panchayats across India. These practices range from water conservation and rainwater harvesting to groundwater recharge and equitable water distribution. Notable examples include the Kothar Gram Panchayat of Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal District, where a water tank was constructed at the base of a mountain to collect and distribute water to nearby villages. Another innovative project comes from Keinou Gram Panchayat in Manipur, where villagers have access to clean drinking water through an RO+UV Water ATM kiosk.
Other Gram Panchayats, such as Vanghmun (Tripura), Chiluvuru (Andhra Pradesh), Birganj (Tripura), Hiware Bazar (Maharashtra), Bajarwada (Maharashtra), and Khursapar (Maharashtra), will also showcase their community efforts in water conservation and sustainable management.
The Water-Sufficient Panchayat Theme is one of nine themes under the LSDGs, which aims to ensure clean water access, promote sanitation, and embrace sustainable water management. These themes, conceptualized by the Ministry in collaboration with various government bodies, are interconnected to achieve comprehensive development in rural areas.
Recognizing the crucial role of Gram Panchayats in addressing rural water challenges, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been actively encouraging Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to participate in water management initiatives. Representatives from well-performing Panchayats will participate in India Water Week as delegates, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to grassroots involvement in national water management discussions.
Engaging Stakeholders for Sustainable Water Management
India Water Week offers an opportunity to engage various stakeholders in water management initiatives. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has consistently promoted water sustainability through conferences, workshops, and capacity-building programs. A National Conference on LSDGs, focusing on Water-Sufficient Panchayats, was held in April 2022, followed by a National Thematic Workshop in Pune, Maharashtra, in September 2022. These events have provided platforms for Panchayats to share best practices, fostering a nationwide movement toward water sufficiency.
Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat, these efforts have empowered Panchayats to take an active role in ensuring water availability and conservation, contributing significantly to the achievement of LSDGs and building a prosperous future for rural India.
The Ministry has also revamped the National Panchayat Awards to incentivize well-performing Panchayats under the Water-Sufficient Panchayat Theme. These Panchayats are provided national platforms to share their achievements, inspiring others to adopt similar water management practices. Progress is monitored through the Panchayat Development Index (PDI), ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Fostering Cross-State Collaboration
During the 8th India Water Week, a thematic session will focus on best practices in the water sector across different states and Union Territories. This session aims to promote cross-State collaboration, allowing stakeholders to learn from successful water management models and replicate them nationwide.