Conclusion of the Second All India Conference of Water Ministers in Udaipur – Advancing Towards Water Conservation and Management Goals: Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil

Jaipur – Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma for the successful organization of the Second All India Conference of Water Ministers, held in Udaipur.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the conference, organized by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti from 18th–19th February, the minister paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary. He highlighted Shivaji Maharaj’s innovative water conservation and management efforts, particularly in fortresses, as an inspiration for today’s water policies.

He emphasized that access to clean and safe drinking water has now become a norm in India, attributing this transformation to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the continuous efforts of the Jal Shakti Ministry. He stated, “We have given a new direction to water conservation and management, and we must continue to work with even greater commitment.”

The minister noted that the conference provided valuable insights from various states and experts, which will be considered for implementation. He emphasized that the discussions focused not only on identifying challenges but also on collective efforts to find solutions. He also shared his experience at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where India’s remarkable initiatives in the water sector under PM Modi’s leadership were widely acknowledged. The River Cities Alliance, which brought together representatives from multiple countries, was also discussed, showcasing global collaborations and innovative approaches to water management.

Highlighting the success of the Namami Gange initiative, he stated that the cleaning of the Ganga River has set high expectations among citizens, urging states to adopt a similar commitment for other rivers. He also underscored the growing significance of treated wastewater reuse, citing the Surat model, where tertiary-treated water is supplied to industries, generating a revenue source of ₹600 crore. Additionally, three power plants along the Ganga are already utilizing treated wastewater, with plans to extend this initiative to 20 more plants.

The minister concluded by stressing the need for collaborative efforts among states to ensure sustainable water management and conservation.