SPM-NIWAS and Arghyam Partner to Develop Digital Public Infrastructure for Water and Sanitation

New Delhi: In a significant step toward enhancing water and sanitation service delivery through digital solutions, the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS) and Arghyam have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the WASH sector. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision to strengthen water governance and sanitation management through technological innovation.

The partnership aims to conceptualize, design, and implement a digital ecosystem to support two of India’s flagship programs—the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM-G). Under the agreement, SPM-NIWAS will lead the implementation, while Arghyam will provide its expertise in technology-driven water governance, making this a knowledge-driven collaboration.

Key Areas of Focus

The initiative will focus on:

• Developing open APIs and interoperable solutions to facilitate data-driven decision-making in the water and sanitation sector.
• Strengthening state institutions to ensure efficient operation and maintenance of water assets.
• Building participatory digital platforms to enable sustainable water management and encourage community involvement.

To oversee the execution of the project, a Consultative Committee comprising representatives from SPM-NIWAS, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), and Arghyam will monitor progress and ensure effective implementation.

This collaboration is expected to accelerate digital transformation in India’s WASH sector, paving the way for safe and sustainable water access for all. By leveraging digital solutions, the initiative will help streamline water resource management, improve service delivery efficiency, and ensure that communities actively participate in decision-making processes.