Water is a fundamental resource for life, economic development and environmental sustainability. Recognising its critical importance, India has witnessed a transformative journey in water management over the past decade. At recent industry events, C.R. Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, highlighted the strides taken in expanding access to clean water, improving sanitation, advancing river rejuvenation, promoting water conservation, and the government’s approach to technological intervention and community participation. He also spoke about how these initiatives are addressing water deficiencies and paving the way for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Edited excerpts…
Strengthening India’s water and sanitation framework
The Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) represents a significant institutional reform in the water sector, merging previously separate departments to consolidate India’s water governance framework. Over the past 11 years, this integration has facilitated coordinated policymaking, streamlined project execution, and enabled a more effective response to water challenges across the country.
A cornerstone of this transformation has been the focus on sanitation and potable water access. Historically, large segments of the population lacked basic toilet facilities, which hampered public health and social development. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), over 115 million toilets have been constructed, ensuring universal household sanitation coverage. This achievement has directly contributed to a decline in waterborne diseases, notably preventing approximately 300,000 child deaths from diarrhoea over five years.
The ministry has simultaneously leveraged the Jal Jeevan Mission, which ensures tap water access to every household through the Har Ghar Jal component. This initiative has so far connected 150 million households, with the remaining 40 million targeted to be covered by 2028. Its social impact is profound. An estimated 2.5 million women, previously burdened with fetching water, have collectively saved 2.5 crore hours daily, which has reduced their physical strain and improved health outcomes. Additionally, improved access to clean water has led to savings of approximately Rs 8,000 billion in healthcare costs and safeguarded the lives of over 400,000 children.
Community-driven water conservation at scale
Addressing water scarcity requires not only supply augmentation but also conservation and sustainable use. The ministry has recognised this and initiated jan andolan (people’s movement) from jal sanchay, jan bhagidari (water conservation, people’s participation), in September 2024. Within eight months, approximately 2.742 million water conservation structures were constructed, increasing to 3.2 million such structures till June 2025, with a target to build 5 million structures by March 2026.
These structures, ranging from small check dams to large rainwater harvesting systems, directly recharge groundwater and improve irrigation availability. For example, in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, historically a “dark zone” due to severe water stress, local farmers constructed 28,000 structures in collaboration with local dairies. This initiative exemplifies the jan bhagidari (people’s participation) aspect evolving into a jan andolan (people’s movement), demonstrating community-driven water stewardship. These efforts have been undertaken without direct expenditure by the ministry, highlighting the efficacy of public-private partnerships in resource management. They are largely funded through contributions by corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, support from non-government organisations, and allocations under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
Moreover, the emphasis on decentralised rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge is both pragmatic and essential, considering India’s current water storage capacity, which is at 750 billion cubic metres (bcm) compared to the current annual requirement of 1,120 bcm and a projected requirement of 1,180 bcm by 2047. Large-scale dam construction, while necessary in certain contexts, is costly, time-intensive and limited by the availability of rivers, hence devising alternative conservation strategies is critical for sustainable water security.
Emphasis on river rejuvenation
River rejuvenation has been a key focus of the ministry. Under the Namami Gange programme, significant improvements have been observed in water quality, rendering the Ganga river fit for bathing and progressively targeting potability. The approach integrates infrastructure development, such as sewage treatment plants (STPs), with technological monitoring, including real-time water quality assessments during large gatherings such as the Kumbh Mela.
A similar model is being applied to the Yamuna river, particularly in Delhi, where 102 smaller drains feed into heavily polluted stretches. A combination of mechanical removal of water hyacinth, deployment of artificial intelligence (AI)-based cleaning solutions and construction of STPs aims to restore the river’s ecological balance. The goal is to make sections suitable for bathing within one and a half years, followed by achieving potable standards within an additional one and a half years.
Water use management in agriculture and industrial reuse
Agriculture consumes approximately 83 per cent of the country’s water, making efficient irrigation a national priority. The ministry has initiated pilot projects to supply water to farms in a controlled, need-based manner, ensuring both quantity and quality. These pilots, covering 20 to 22 states with a funding of Rs 11 billion from the centre and Rs 5 billion from the states, incorporate technologies such as drip irrigation and precision water delivery, aiming to curb wastage from open canal systems. Such initiatives are expected to revolutionise farm water management, improve crop yields and reduce dependence on over-extracted groundwater.
In industrial contexts, tertiary treated wastewater is increasingly being used to reduce freshwater consumption. For instance, industries operating under the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation generate approximately Rs 1.4 billion in annual revenues by utilising treated water, with additional MoUs expected to collectively yield Rs 6 billion per year. Besides, there are around 63 power plants on the Ganga river, of which three already use tertiary treated wastewater. Another 20 industries are ready to adopt this on the directive of the Supreme Court. These measures will ensure that all major industries adopt tertiary treatment before discharge, reinforcing sustainability while promoting economic benefits.
Technological integration and community engagement
A notable feature of India’s water sector transformation is the integration of technology and community-based monitoring. Around 2.5 million women have been trained to test water quality at the household level using field testing kits (FTKs), creating a decentralised network of water quality surveillance. This initiative has empowered communities to actively manage and demand safe drinking water, reinforcing public accountability and preventive health measures.
Learning from global practices
At international forums, India’s investment in water infrastructure surpasses that of many other nations, showcasing the government’s leadership and national commitment to providing access to clean water. Cross-country dialogues with experts, consultants and city representatives have provided valuable insights into managing riverine cities, wastewater treatment and industrial water reuse. Such exchanges foster knowledge sharing, create awareness about best practices, and enhance the effectiveness of domestic programmes like the Namami Gange and river-based urban water management.
Shaping a sustainable water future
India’s water sector is undergoing a transformative phase characterised by integrated governance, community participation, technological innovation and strategic investment. Initiatives under government programmes, river rejuvenation projects, mass water conservation structures and agricultural water management pilots are reshaping the country’s approach to water security.
The emphasis on jan andolan, decentralised monitoring, interstate cooperation and sustainable water practices has created a holistic vision that balances social, economic and environmental objectives. With continued commitment, targeted funding, and technological innovation, India aims to achieve universal access to clean water and enhanced water efficiency, and ensure sustainable management of rivers and groundwater resources, laying a robust foundation for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
“The emphasis on Jan Andolan, decentralised monitoring, interstate cooperation, and sustainable water practices has created a holistic sectoral vision.”
