Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the concluding session of the National Departmental Summit on Water on September 2, 2026, held in New Delhi. The event was organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and aimed at promoting the adoption of water conservation technologies based on global best practices. Modi underscored the need for efficient data governance in water management through the application of artificial intelligence (AI).

This summit marked the inaugural event in a planned series of departmental gatherings, designed to enhance collaboration between the Centre and States, reinforcing the national agenda of cooperative federalism. It brought together key ministers and senior officials from various States and Union Territories to engage in focused discussions regarding India’s water security.

During his address, Prime Minister Modi applauded the intense deliberations over the two days. He highlighted the importance of deriving actionable insights and time-sensitive objectives from the summit discussions and stressed that the outcomes should be part of a continuous process of dialogue and review.

Focus on Urban Challenges and Water-Saving Technologies

The Prime Minister emphasised the need to educate Urban Local Bodies regarding the challenges posed by urbanisation, such as population growth and future water demands. He proposed the idea of Chintan Shivirs—brainstorming sessions specifically for Urban Local Bodies—to tackle these issues effectively.

Additionally, Modi encouraged the widespread adoption of technologies designed to conserve water. He recommended organising exhibitions and workshops that would introduce Indian manufacturers and stakeholders to successful global practices, thereby enabling the development and scaling of efficient solutions.

A public awareness campaign dubbed “Jal Utsav” was also suggested to promote greater community engagement with water conservation issues. Furthermore, the Prime Minister called for the regularisation of de-silting activities and the establishment of clear criteria and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for such operations.

Strategies for Improved Water Management and Governance

Modi addressed the critical aspect of dam safety, urging preparedness measures ahead of the monsoon season. He stressed adherence to established safety precautions and recommended raising awareness among school students by incorporating topics on water safety into educational curricula.

The Prime Minister also advocated for enhanced knowledge and capacity-building initiatives regarding water management in universities and higher education institutions. As part of this initiative, he proposed structured inter-State visits for public representatives, officials, and farmers to facilitate practical learning and the sharing of successful methodologies.

Moreover, the Prime Minister called for the effective management of water data, advocating for systematic collection, analysis, and utilisation of water-sector data using a standardised format. He emphasised the need for anticipatory and integrated planning to mitigate water scarcity, including the efficient use of treated water in agriculture and industry.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti, CR Patil, outlined four key expectations from the discussions: the expedited completion of water infrastructure projects, promoting water conservation as a community-driven initiative, ensuring sustainability of drinking water sources in the long term, and institutionalising effective management of rural drinking water schemes.

The National Departmental Summit represents a new approach to institutional collaboration aimed at achieving national development goals, focusing on timely project implementation, community involvement in water conservation, and enhancing the overall governance of rural water supply systems.

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