The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is set to participate as a partner ministry in the upcoming 8th India Water Week and Exhibition, scheduled from September 17th to 20th, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The theme for this year’s event is “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management.” This aligns with the ministry’s efforts to promote sustainable water practices in rural areas through water-sufficient villages, a key component of their strategy to localize Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via targeted Panchayat Development Plans and resource convergence.
The ministry will feature an exhibition stall showcasing successful water management initiatives from Gram Panchayats across India. These include projects on water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and equitable water distribution. An exemplary case is the Kothar Gram Panchayat in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal District, which constructed a water tank at the base of a mountain to supply water to surrounding villages through a pump house. This project highlights the innovative approaches being adopted to ensure water sufficiency.
Other noteworthy initiatives to be highlighted include the RO+UV water distribution system set up by Keinou Gram Panchayat in Manipur through a Water ATM kiosk, and various community-driven water conservation efforts in Gram Panchayats like Vanghmun (Tripura), Chiluvuru (Andhra Pradesh), Birganj (Tripura), Hiware Bazar (Maharashtra), Bajarwada (Maharashtra), and Khursapar (Maharashtra).
The Water Sufficient Panchayat Theme is one of the nine themes of the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs), which focus on ensuring clean water, promoting sanitation, and fostering sustainable water management practices. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has collaborated with other ministries and departments to align these themes with broader development goals in rural areas.
Recognizing the pivotal role of Gram Panchayats in addressing water challenges, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj calls on Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), rural communities, and stakeholders to actively engage in these water management initiatives. Public participation and awareness are seen as crucial to the success of these programs, as effective water management requires collective effort.
The 8th India Water Week will serve as a platform to bring together key stakeholders in this mission. Representatives from several high-performing Panchayats under the Water Sufficient Panchayat Theme will participate as delegates, with the Ministry encouraging grassroots involvement in national discussions on water management.
The Ministry has consistently promoted water sufficiency through various workshops, conferences, and capacity-building initiatives, engaging elected Panchayat representatives and other stakeholders. Notable events include the National Conference on LSDGs held in April 2022 and the National Thematic Workshop later that year. These forums have enabled well-performing Panchayats to share their best practices, contributing to a nationwide movement for water sustainability.
In support of the Prime Minister’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat,” Panchayats play a crucial role in advancing water management and conservation efforts. The Ministry also incentivizes top-performing Panchayats through the National Panchayat Awards, which were revamped in 2022 to align with the nine LSDG themes. The Water Sufficient Panchayat Theme is a key focus, with well-performing Panchayats encouraged to share their achievements and inspire others. Progress is tracked through the Panchayat Development Index (PDI), ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
