On September 19, 2024, the Valedictory Session of the 8th India Water Week (IWW) took place in New Delhi, chaired by Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil. The event was attended by Minister of State, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, while Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary (DoWR, RD & GR), welcomed the gathering.
In his address, Shri Paatil praised the global and national participants and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Jal Shakti and its departments for their efforts in organizing the event. He highlighted the importance of collaborative and innovative solutions to address India’s water challenges, and expressed optimism about the outcomes of the discussions held during the event.
Shri Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, provided a summary of the key recommendations from IWW 2024, focusing on water security, integrated water resources management, infrastructure challenges, climate resilience, groundwater sustainability, and water governance.
One of the session’s major highlights was the launch of the Bhu-neer portal by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), aimed at regulating groundwater. Additionally, several important publications were released, including the National Register of Major and Medium Irrigation Projects, a water resources assessment for India, and a compendium of reservoir sedimentation.
Awards were presented to exhibitors in four categories:
- Best Central Ministry/Organization: CWPRS, Pune
- Best State Government: Kerala
- Best Industry: Ion-exchange India Ltd.
- Best Startup: Blueverse India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
The event, which was inaugurated by the President of India on September 17, 2024, witnessed enthusiastic participation throughout. The third day of the event featured the Water Leaders’ Forum, with sessions on innovation in the water sector, flood management, public-private partnerships, sustainable water management for industries, and climate action.
Additionally, the Water Conventions covered topics like water governance, disaster management, and infrastructure challenges, offering comprehensive insights into current issues. The Practitioners’ Forum focused on access to drinking water in rural areas and ecological sustainability, with experts sharing their experiences.
A key highlight of the day was the Startup Forum, where nine startups presented innovative water technologies and smart solutions.
The event also included an extensive exhibition featuring 143 exhibitors across 4,800 square meters, showcasing the latest advancements in the water sector.
