The Ministry of Panchayati Raj will take part as a Partner Ministry in the upcoming 8th India Water Week and Exhibition, set to be held from September 17 to 20, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The event, themed ‘Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and Management,’ resonates with the Ministry's dedication to promoting sustainable water practices in rural India. This is in line with its efforts to Localize Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) through Panchayat Development Plans that focus on water sufficiency.
At the exhibition, the Ministry’s stall will feature examples of effective water management from Gram Panchayats across the country. These initiatives include water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and equitable water distribution. A standout project comes from Kothar Gram Panchayat in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, where a water tank was constructed at the base of a mountain to collect water, which is then distributed to nearby villages through a pump house.
Another notable initiative is the RO+UV water supply system introduced by Keinou Gram Panchayat in Manipur through the installation of Water ATM kiosks. Additionally, Gram Panchayats such as Vanghmun in Tripura, Chiluvuru in Andhra Pradesh, and Hiware Bazar in Maharashtra will be spotlighted for their innovative community-led water management efforts.
Water sufficiency is one of nine key themes under the Ministry’s LSDG initiative. These themes aim to ensure clean water access, promote sanitation, and foster sustainable water practices across rural areas. The Ministry has been instrumental in driving these initiatives through regular capacity-building workshops, conferences, and dialogues with Panchayat leaders and stakeholders.
The 8th India Water Week will provide a platform for well-performing Panchayats to share their water management success stories. Representatives from select Panchayats under the Water-Sufficient Panchayat Theme will participate as delegates, with the Ministry encouraging the participation of elected representatives from across India.
In the past, the Ministry has organized various events, including the National Conference on LSDGs in 2022 and 2023, which focused on water sufficiency, healthy Panchayats, and clean and green villages. These gatherings have played a crucial role in fostering nationwide collaboration on water sustainability.
To incentivize best-performing Panchayats, the Ministry has revamped the National Panchayat Awards to align with the nine LSDG themes, including water sufficiency. These awards serve to motivate Panchayats to adopt best practices, with progress monitored through the Panchayat Development Index (PDI).
A special thematic session during the 8th India Water Week will further highlight successful water management initiatives from different states, encouraging cross-state collaboration and offering replicable models for addressing water challenges nationwide. The Ministry’s involvement underscores its commitment to empowering grassroots governance in advancing sustainable water management practices across India.
