The "All India Water Secretaries’ Conference" was organised today by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti in New Delhi. The Conference was chaired by Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, in the presence of Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary. Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, and Senior Secretaries from all States and Union Territories participated in the Conference. The conference saw the participation of around 200 officials including senior state secretaries from the states and UTs, as well as officials from the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.

During the conference, discussions were held on eight priority agenda items covering:

• Status of the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) Scheme;
• Special One- Month Nationwide #CatchTheRain Campaign for strengthening people's participation in water conservation;
• Revised Draft Project Appraisal Guidelines for irrigation, multipurpose and flood management projects;
• Rule Curves of Dam Reservoirs and their effective implementation for improved reservoir operations and dam safety;
• Status of the State Water Reforms Framework (SWRF);
• Completion of Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation (CDSE) under the Dam Safety Act, 2021 by December 2026;
• Progress of Irrigation Censuses in States and Union Territories; and
• Framework for Model State Water Awards

In the opening remarks, Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, welcomed all dignitaries and introduced them to the 8 Agenda points for the Conference. He highlighted key initiatives of the Ministry and stressed the need for cooperative federalism.

Addressing the Conference, Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, stated that water is the foundation of India's economic growth, food security, environmental sustainability and the well-being of every citizen. Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change, groundwater depletion and rapid urbanisation, he called for scientific, efficient and sustainable water resources management.

Referring to the Prime Minister's call during Mann Ki Baat on 28 June 2026, the Minister urged all States and Union Territories to intensify the Catch the Rain 2026 campaign through rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, rejuvenation of traditional water bodies, afforestation and public participation. He also stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of the M-CAD Scheme, strengthen Water User Associations, improve irrigation efficiency, and simplify project appraisal processes to facilitate the faster implementation of irrigation and flood management projects.

He called for the effective implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, the timely completion of dam safety evaluations, and measures to tackle reservoir sedimentation. Highlighting the State Water Reforms Framework and ongoing national water-related censuses, he underscored the importance of digital governance, scientific planning and public participation.

The Minister released three important documents:" City-level Action Plan for Reuse of Treated Water for Varanasi" - A Framework: Roadmap for safe reuse of treated wastewater and promoting Circular Water Economy; O&M Manual for Artificial Recharge and Ground Water Conservation Structures": Jointly developed by National Water Mission and Central Ground Water Board; "Schedule of Rates (SoR) for Drilling and Allied Works" - A Manual: Prepared by CGWB for transparency and standardisation.

The conference concluded with a resolve for time-bound implementation to achieve “Jal Surakshit, Bharat Surakshit”.

Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, thanked all States for their active participation.

****

ND/HM

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2284300) आगंतुक पटल : 419