Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation), Ministry of Jal Shakti, recently chaired the Western Region State Water Secretaries Conference in Pune, aimed at strengthening synergistic Centre–State partnerships in the water sector.

Senior officials from the Water Resources Departments of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Goa, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Chandigarh, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu participated in the conference, along with officials from DoWR, RD & GR, New Delhi, and heads of major organisations under the Department.

While outlining the objectives of the conference, the Secretary emphasised the need for effective utilisation of services and works undertaken by various DoWR, RD & GR organisations in the region. He underlined the importance of regional-level consultations to enable detailed deliberations between the Centre and States, paving the way for a broader national conference.

The agenda included a review of works executed by departmental organisations in participating States and Union Territories, presentations by State governments, discussions on issues raised, and an assessment of the adoption of advisories issued by DoWR, RD & GR. State officials highlighted actions taken in the water resources sector, following which the Secretary reviewed overall progress and stressed the importance of strengthening Centre–State and inter-State coordination.

In his concluding remarks, Shri Kantha Rao highlighted the significance of the meeting in formulating integrated strategies for sustainable and effective water resources development. He reiterated the Department’s commitment to supporting timely completion of projects and ensuring coordinated, time-bound implementation of priority water sector initiatives across the region.