In a significant stride towards the vision of water security, National Water Mission under the aegis of the Ministry of Jal Shakti is set to host the “All India Secretaries’ Conference on Water Vision @ 2047 -Way Ahead”. The conference, scheduled at Mahabalipuram, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) on 23rd and 24th January, 2024 aims to ideate, share best practices & review action taken on the 22 recommendations suggested by the Centre and the States during “1st All India Annual State Ministers Conference on Water” held on 5th and 6th January, 2023 at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Water is an invaluable asset, serving as the lifeblood of ecosystems, communities, and economies. Its role as a critical resource extends far beyond basic sustenance, encompassing agriculture, industry, and energy production. Embracing water as a vital asset and recognising the need for ensuring water security, the inaugural All India Annual State Ministers Conference on Water convened in Bhopal, charting a visionary course towards sustainable management and equitable access to this indispensable resource. The primary objective of the workshop was to seek and strengthen the partnership with the states and stakeholder ministries and to achieve a shared vision in order to manage water as a precious resource in an integrated manner with holistic and inter disciplinary approach to water related issues. The conference was pivotal in moving towards breaking silos in the water sector. The outcome of the deliberations was 22 recommendations for helping in achieving the vision.
As a follow up to the event held at Bhopal, this conference seeks to follow up on the 22 recommendations proposed out of the earlier deliberations. The scheduled sessions at the conference will revolve around five crucial themes emanating from these recommendations viz. Water Governance & Water Quality, Climate Resilience & River Health, Water Use Efficiency, Water Storage, and Jan Bhagidari.
Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister for Water Resource, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Shri Durai Murugan, will attend the two-day deliberations. A Film by Ministry of Jal Shakti, – “For a Water Secure Future” and a Book titled “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – A Journey” will be released on the occasion.
The conference serves as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration among various stakeholders involved in the water sector. Participants include representatives from Central Partner Ministries, State Governments, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Bilateral Partners, and other relevant stakeholders. This collaborative platform will serve to share insights, exchange knowledge and further enrich the national vision for water security.
The event will see vibrant participation from Secretaries of Central Ministries, Additional Chief Secretaries/Principal Secretaries of Water Resources, PHED & Irrigation departments of different States, Senior most secretaries of the States, representatives of Bilateral Partners/Multilateral Organisations/NGOs etc along with the media partners.
Role of Stakeholders:
- State Governments: State-level representatives will play a crucial role in sharing regional challenges, successes, and best practices. The conference aims to facilitate inter-state collaboration and the exchange of knowledge for better water governance.
- Central Partner Ministries: Collaboration with various ministries is essential for a holistic approach. Representatives from central partner ministries will discuss cross-sectoral initiatives and policy coherence.
- NGOs: Non-Governmental Organizations bring grassroots perspectives and community engagement models to the table. The conference will explore avenues for effective collaboration between government bodies and NGOs to amplify impact.
- Bilateral Partners: In a globalized world, international cooperation is paramount. Bilateral partners will share insights, experiences, and best practices, fostering mutual learning and collaboration on water-related challenges.
