India Water Week

India Water Week is organised as an effort to raise awareness, conserve and use water resources in an integrated manner. It is an initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Background

Conceptualized and organized for the first time in 2012, the India Water Week is a regular forum where the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources (DoWR), River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of lndia discusses, talks, strategizes with eminent stakeholders through seminars, exhibitions and sessions to build public awareness, to get support to implement key strategies for conservation, preservation and optimum use of available water. 

Seven editions of events have been organized in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022.

India Water Week 2024

The 8th edition of India Water Week (IWW) is being held from 17-21 September 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

The platform will be used to elicit ideas and opinions from global level decisions makers, politicians, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The theme of 7th India Water Week is “Water Security for Sustainable Development and Equity”. The five daylong events will bring together experts, planners and stake holders from across the globe. 

The event will serve as a global platform to elicit ideas and opinions from global level decision-makers, politicians, researchers, experts, planners, innovators, students and stakeholders in the field of water resources from across the world, focusing on “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management”. The 5-day event hosts Conference, Exhibition and study tours with Seminars, Panel Discussions, Side Events, Exhibition and Cultural programme, besides providing opportunities to businesses to find prospective partners and customers through a 4000 Sq.m. state of art exhibition.

The IWW - 2024 will be organised by the DoWR, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti, in association with Nodal Ministries/Departments viz. Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Rural Development, related State Government departments, associated expert organizations, key international bodies, private and public business groups etc.

The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), The World Bank, India Water Foundation (IWF), Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) and Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) are the Knowledge Partners for the 8th India Water Week-2024.

Sub themes and topics

1. Collaboration and Cooperation for Water Security
   • Public Private Partnership (PPP) for Efficient Water Management in Urban and Rural Areas.
   • Need for Cooperation and Coordination for Water Security keeping in view of the Climate Change Scenario.
   • Synergizing Cooperation Across Boundaries
   • From Water Conflicts to Cooperation.
2. Integrated Water Resources Development & Management
   • Integrated planning and conjunctive use of Surface Water and Ground Water.
   • Role of Inter Basin Water Transfer in Water Resources Development.
   • Inclusive Water Planning.
   • Issues in Water Scarcity and way forward.
   • Water Quality — Issues and Challenges.
   • Knowledge Transfer and Skill Development in Water Sector.
   • Designing Optimal Cropping Pattern for Efficient Water Resource Utilization.
3. Challenges in Water Sector Infrastructure
   • Expansion of Micro Irrigation Infrastructure.
   • Water Infrastructure Development – Technological, Ecological, Financial Challenges etc.
   • Waste Water Management — Recycle, Reuse and Circular Economy.
   • Operation and Management of Water Assets and Infrastructure
   • Source Sustainability -Irrigation, Domestic Use etc.
   • Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
   • Improvement in Water Use Efficiency in Existing Water Infrastructure.
4. Risk and New Approaches to Climate Resilience
   • Role of Advanced Technologies in Water Security.
   • Managing Climate Uncertainty in Water Sector.
   • Risks in Water Sector due to Climate Change.
   • Utility of Artificial Intelligence and Geospatial Tools for Decision Making.
   • Vulnerability of Water Bodies, Spring, Glaciers etc. due to Climate Change.
   • Participatory Precision Water Management for Ensuring Water Security.
5. Ground Water Sustainability and Management
   • Ground Water Assessment — Tools & Techniques.
   • Challenges in Sustainable Management of Ground Water.
   • Water Security Plans at Local Level.
   • Ground Water Quality Related Challenges and Solutions.
   • Ground Water Management Plans.
6. Water governance and financing
   • Water Infrastructures — Financing and Operation & Maintenance Models.
   • Role of Policy in Water Security.
   • Convergence of Various Stakeholders in Water Sector.
   • Beneficiaries’ Participation in Water Planning and Management.
   • Role of Women in Management of Water Resources.
   • Social Equity and Inclusion in the Water Sector.
   • Harnessing Traditional Knowledge for Water Conservation.
   • Institutional Water Regulation Mechanism.
7. Water related Disasters and its Management
   • Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Risks and Mitigation
   • Challenges in Management of Floods & Droughts
   • National Disaster Managements Policies and Action Plan.
   • Risk to Water Infrastructure due to Hydrological Changes in view of Climate Change and it’s Management.
   • Coastal Area Management Contingency Plans and Post-Disaster Management Interventions for Smallholder Agriculture
   • Contingency Plans and Post-Disaster Management Interventions for Smallholder Agriculture

Events planned

• Forum for multi-disciplinary dialogue in the form of seminars and panel discussions, deliberating on "Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management
• Exhibition on technologies and solutions available for the areas under deliberation

Source : IWW portal