NITI Aayog organised a Brainstorming Session on Wednesday and released a Compendium on All-Weather Tap Water Supply in the Higher Reaches of the Himalayas, aimed at addressing the challenges of ensuring reliable water access in India’s northern high-altitude regions.

The session brought together experts from the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, representatives from the Himalayan states of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, academics from IIT Mandi, and grassroots organisations working on water management across hill regions. Participants discussed practical strategies to enhance water security for local communities and strengthen livelihood resilience.

During the deliberations, speakers emphasised the need for community participation in both central and state interventions for water and natural resource conservation. Strengthening local ownership of water assets, they noted, is key to achieving sustainable water security.

The discussion also focused on overcoming barriers such as difficult geography, extreme weather, implementation challenges, limited data availability, and technology adoption. Experts proposed a range of solutions, including:

Sustainable agriculture models and agro-forestry practices;

Rejuvenation of natural springs;

Innovative drip-based water supply systems; and

Advanced engineering materials for reliable, all-weather water distribution.

Speakers also called for capacity building of local communities to maintain long-term engagement and operational efficiency. They suggested formal skill recognition mechanisms to enhance employment opportunities for individuals involved in water conservation and infrastructure projects.

Another key recommendation was the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on Springs, which would bring together policymakers, researchers, and community organisations to design scalable, data-driven interventions for spring rejuvenation and sustainable resource management.

The newly launched Compendium compiles case studies, technological innovations, and field experiences from across Himalayan states, showcasing how a blend of technology, local participation, and policy alignment can deliver sustainable drinking water solutions even in the region’s most challenging terrains.

The initiative reinforces India’s commitment to strengthening water security and climate resilience in ecologically sensitive mountain regions, aligning with the broader national goal of sustainable rural development.