Union Minister C R Patil Opens Second All-India Water Ministers’ Meet

19 Feb 2025 CW Team

On the first day, discussions centred on strengthening water governance, enhancing storage infrastructure, improving irrigation systems, and increasing water-use efficiency. Emphasis was placed on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) tailored to state-specific needs, participatory governance at the grassroots level, and water budgeting to optimise supply and demand. Delegates highlighted the role of data, technology, and innovation in boosting efficiency and sustainability. A major focus was on scaling up the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative nationwide to encourage community-led water conservation.

A key priority was the development and maintenance of water storage infrastructure, not just through new projects but also by advancing the Extension, Renovation, and Modernisation (ERM) of existing systems. The conference underscored the importance of accelerating river interlinking projects through consensus-building while promoting the restoration of smaller water bodies to enhance availability. Delegates also stressed the need for automated reservoir operations for improved storage management and comprehensive interventions to strengthen water conservation.

Reaffirming its commitment to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the conference emphasised community-led operation and maintenance through Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs). Ensuring safe drinking water through rigorous quality testing remains a priority. Discussions also explored urban water security under the AMRUT Scheme and the integration of greywater management within Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. Special attention was given to vulnerable regions, ensuring access to potable water for the most underserved communities.

The Second All-India State Water Ministers’ Conference, organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, commenced today in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C R Patil, inaugurated the event in the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma. The conference saw participation from the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Tripura, Deputy Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka, along with 30 ministers and over 300 delegates. This high-level dialogue builds on Water Vision @ 2047, first formulated at the 2023 Bhopal Conference and further reviewed at the Secretaries’ Conference in Mahabalipuram in 2024. On the first day, discussions centred on strengthening water governance, enhancing storage infrastructure, improving irrigation systems, and increasing water-use efficiency. Emphasis was placed on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) tailored to state-specific needs, participatory governance at the grassroots level, and water budgeting to optimise supply and demand. Delegates highlighted the role of data, technology, and innovation in boosting efficiency and sustainability. A major focus was on scaling up the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative nationwide to encourage community-led water conservation. A key priority was the development and maintenance of water storage infrastructure, not just through new projects but also by advancing the Extension, Renovation, and Modernisation (ERM) of existing systems. The conference underscored the importance of accelerating river interlinking projects through consensus-building while promoting the restoration of smaller water bodies to enhance availability. Delegates also stressed the need for automated reservoir operations for improved storage management and comprehensive interventions to strengthen water conservation. Reaffirming its commitment to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the conference emphasised community-led operation and maintenance through Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs). Ensuring safe drinking water through rigorous quality testing remains a priority. Discussions also explored urban water security under the AMRUT Scheme and the integration of greywater management within Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. Special attention was given to vulnerable regions, ensuring access to potable water for the most underserved communities.

Equipment

12 Dec 2025

Schwing Stetter India Unveils New Innovations at Excon 2025

Schwing Stetter India unveiled more than 20 new machines at Excon 2025, marking one of its most significant showcases and introducing several India-first technologies to the construction equipment sector. The company launched the country’s first 56-metre boom pump designed and manufactured in India, the first fully electric truck mixer, the first CNG mixer variant and the first hybrid boom pump. Executives said the launch portfolio was engineered to support India’s move toward faster, greener and more vertically oriented infrastructure through advanced engineering, clean-energy solutions a..

Infrastructure Energy

12 Dec 2025

SEPC Resolves Hindustan Copper Dispute, Wins Rs 725 Mn Order

Engineering, procurement and construction firm SEPC Ltd has recently settled a dispute with Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) and secured a mining infrastructure order valued at Rs 725 million from the state-owned company. SEPC informed the stock exchanges that it has executed a settlement deed with HCL, bringing closure to all inter-se claims and counterclaims arising from arbitration proceedings. As part of the settlement, SEPC will receive Rs 304.5 million as full and final payment, marking the resolution of all pending disputes between the two entities. The company also stated that Hindustan Co..

Infrastructure Energy

12 Dec 2025

20% Ethanol Blending Cuts India’s CO2 Emissions by 73.6 Mn Tonnes

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently said that India has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 73.6 million metric tonnes due to the adoption of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol. He made the statement while replying to supplementary questions during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha. Describing ethanol as a green fuel, the minister said it plays a key role in reducing pollution while also supporting higher incomes for farmers. He underlined that ethanol blending contributes both to environmental sustainability and rural economic growth. Nitin Gadkari also po..