New Delhi | Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil on Monday stressed the urgent need for water conservation and active citizen participation to ensure India's future water security.
He was addressing the World Water Day Conclave at Dr Ambedkar International Centre where key national reports and policy documents on water bodies and irrigation were released.
Patil felicitated officials from the Ministry of Jal Shakti and other related departments at the event for their contributions to water management.
The 7th Minor Irrigation Census, 2nd Census of Water Bodies, 1st Census of Springs, 1st Census of Major & Medium Irrigation Projects, the National Water Data Policy 2026, and technical publications by National Mission for Clean Ganga, Central Ground Water Board, and National River Conservation Directorate were released at the conclave.
Addressing the conclave, Patil said, "I urge all citizens to conserve water in every possible way -- collecting rainwater from rooftops into pits or trenches, using stones and pipes to direct water into the ground. Even 100 mm of rainfall can store one lakh litres per household.
Water is not just a right. It is our responsibility. If we fail to conserve, future generations will suffer." "Water is the main foundation of life, agriculture, industry, and development. For achieving the goal of a developed India, proper utilization of water is essential.
Rainwater harvesting must be increased, and water sources must be protected from pollution. At the community level, water conservation can be strengthened through active participation," he said.
The minister outlined the progress of key central government initiatives, including the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Namami Gange programme.
"The Jal Jeevan Mission is a vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to provide piped, clean water in the right quantity to every household across the country. Under this mission, approximately 15.80 crore households have already received piped water..." For the remaining 3 crore households, the plan, originally set to end in March 2024, has now been extended to December 2028, with an allocation of Rs. 1.51 lakh crore, he said.
He said the National Water Data Policy, launched on the occasion, will enable evidence-based decision-making for sustainable water management. "Data is crucial for planning; without it, many projects face mismanagement or fail to meet targets. The prime minister emphasises the use of data and technology, ensuring that projects and plans are implemented efficiently and on time," the minister said.
Surat, he said, has become a city which has a plan to meet water requirements for the next 50 years. "The central government sanctioned Rs 600 crore, and the state government contributed Rs 400 crore. Such planning ensures future water security," he said.
Referring to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's warning that a third world war could be fought over water, Patil said India is well prepared to meet its water needs under the current government's leadership.
"Atal Bihari Vajpayee had warned that the third world war could be fought over water. I can confidently say that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even if such a scenario occurs, India will be prepared. Ministries and plans are in place to ensure that future generations never face water scarcity," he said.
Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Choudhary, and senior representatives from the government and industry were also at the conclave.
