Udaipur: The 2nd State Water Ministers’ Conference on Water Security was inaugurated today by Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C R Patil, in the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. The event commenced with a traditional Jal Kalash Ceremony, underscoring the significance of water conservation in India’s long-term development vision.
In his inaugural address, C R Patil emphasized that water security is a key pillar of India’s vision for ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’, and under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government is actively working toward ensuring sustainable water management by 2047. He highlighted the achievements of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), noting that 12 crore toilets have been constructed, benefiting 60 crore people, saving an estimated 3 lakh lives through improved sanitation, and reducing healthcare costs by ₹8 lakh crore.
Patil praised the success of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative, a community-driven water conservation program that has resulted in the development of one million artificial rainwater harvesting structures across India. He highlighted the completion of over six lakh water conservation projects, implemented through public participation and the “Khet ka paani khet me” approach. This has led to the creation of 60,000 recharge structures in Rajasthan, 1 lakh in Madhya Pradesh, and 2.29 lakh in Chhattisgarh.
The Union Minister also spoke about the Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain initiative, which has completed 1.67 crore water conservation projects. The program focuses on reviving traditional water bodies and promoting efficient water use to ensure long-term sustainability.
Patil highlighted India’s major river-linking projects, such as the Ken-Betwa Link (MP-UP) and the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal ERCP (MP-Rajasthan), which are crucial for irrigation and drinking water supply. The Ken-Betwa Link will provide irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares and drinking water to 62 lakh people, while the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal ERCP will irrigate 10 lakh hectares and benefit 50 lakh people with drinking water access. The Minister also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose vision for water security and river-linking projects continues to shape India’s approach to sustainable water management.
Concluding his speech, C R Patil reaffirmed the importance of water conservation, stating, “Jal hai to kal hai”—water security is essential for a strong future. While wealth accumulation is vital, he emphasized that water conservation must be the nation’s top priority. With continued government efforts and PM Modi’s leadership, he expressed confidence that India is on the right path toward securing its water future.
As a token of appreciation, all dignitaries attending the conference were presented with ‘Piku’, the National Water Mission (NWM) mascot, representing India’s national bird, the peacock. Crafted by tribal women artisans from Udaipur, this unique memento highlights traditional craftsmanship and the cultural significance of water conservation. The initiative aligns with the theme “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti”, recognizing the crucial role of women in water conservation efforts.
The conference saw the participation of Chief Ministers of Odisha and Tripura, as well as the Deputy Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka. The two-day event (February 18-19, 2024) brings together 30 ministers and over 300 delegates from Central and State Governments to discuss strategies for achieving water security and Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Throughout the conference, 35 presentations will be delivered across six thematic areas, along with five e-launches and 15 video showcases, highlighting key government interventions in water conservation and management.
With an ambitious vision for India’s water security, the discussions at the 2nd State Water Ministers’ Conference will play a critical role in shaping future policies and sustainable water management strategies across the country.
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